Plasticosis: The New Disease Linked to Plastic Waste and Its Devastating Impact on Wildlife

Microplastics are a growing threat to our planet’s wildlife, and scientists have now described a new disease directly linked to plastic waste.

The disease, known as “plasticosis,” has been identified in the digestive tracts of seabirds, such as flesh-footed shearwaters, which are among the most plastic-contaminated birds in the world.

As The Guardian reports, Plasticosis occurs when tiny plastic fragments become lodged in the birds’ digestive tracts, leading to chronic inflammation and scarring that can cause a range of problems. Studies show, exposure to microplastics can inflame and scar the first chamber of the birds’ stomach, which can stunt the glands that secrete digestive compounds, affecting their vitamin absorption and making them more vulnerable to infection and parasites.

In extreme cases, chicks can starve to death because their stomachs become full of undigestible plastic, Audubon reports. For those that survive, plasticosis seems to stunt their growth, and larger amounts of plastic were associated with smaller overall weight and shorter wings.

This disease is likely not limited to just these birds, and scientists believe that other species may be affected.

The Devastating Impact of Microplastics

Microplastics are everywhere in the environment, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, and from the deepest trenches in the ocean to our own waterways.

Microscale plastic fragments have been detected in the bodies of fish, birds, whales, seals, farm animals and humans, Science News Explores reports, and the extent of the biological damage they cause is still being investigated.

These tiny fragments of plastic, often measuring less than 5 millimeters in size, have been found in the bodies of marine life, birds, whales, seals, farm animals, and even humans. According to Pew Charitable Trusts, The scale of the problem is alarming and raises concerns about the impact of microplastics on the environment and our health.

Marine life is particularly vulnerable to microplastic pollution. Plastic fragments have been detected in the digestive tracts of fish and other marine organisms, leading to concerns about the potential impact on their health and the wider ecosystem. Studies have shown that microplastics can cause physical damage to marine organisms, leading to reduced feeding and reproduction, and even death in extreme cases. Ingested plastic can also release toxic chemicals into the body, which can accumulate in the food chain and pose a risk to human health, reports iCliniq.

Whales and seals are also vulnerable to the impact of microplastics. Researchers have found that these marine mammals ingest plastic particles while feeding, which can cause damage to their digestive systems and lead to malnutrition. In some cases, plastic ingestion can lead to fatal obstructions or entanglement. In addition to the physical damage caused by plastic ingestion, microplastics can also release toxic chemicals that can accumulate in the bodies of these animals and cause harm, Yale Sustainability reports.

Farm animals are also at risk from microplastic pollution, as plastic waste can contaminate their feed and water sources, The Guardian reports. Recent research has shown that microplastics can accumulate in the organs of farm animals, raising concerns about the potential impact on animal health and the safety of our food supply. Ingested microplastics can also lead to reduced feed intake and weight gain in livestock, which can have economic implications for farmers, reports a study in Science of The Total Environment.

Humans are not immune to the impact of microplastic pollution, either. Another study from Current Opinion in Toxicology shows that microplastics can be found in tap water, bottled water, and even seafood. While the long-term health effects of microplastic ingestion in humans are not yet fully understood, there is growing concern about the potential impact on our health. In addition to the risk of ingesting toxic chemicals released by microplastics, there are also concerns about the potential impact on our gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in our overall health, Nature reports.

Where do Microplastics originate?

Microplastics come from a variety of sources and have become a major environmental concern due to their impact on marine life, birds, whales, seals, farm animals, and humans. Microplastics can also accumulate in the environment, making it difficult to remove them once they are present.

Here are some of the main sources of microplastics:

1. Personal Care Products: Many personal care products like facial scrubs, toothpaste, and body washes contain microbeads, which are tiny plastic particles that can be washed down the drain and end up in our waterways.
2. Synthetic Fibers: Synthetic fibers, such as nylon and polyester, are commonly used in clothing and other textiles. When these materials are washed, they shed microplastic fibers that can end up in our waterways.
3. Plastic Packaging: Plastic packaging is another major source of microplastics. When plastic packaging is discarded or littered, it can break down into tiny pieces that end up in the environment.
4. Tire Wear: Car tires are made of synthetic rubber and other materials that can wear down over time, releasing tiny particles of microplastics into the environment.
5. Plastic Pellets: Plastic pellets, also known as nurdles, are small, lentil-sized pieces of plastic that are used to manufacture plastic products. These pellets are often lost during transportation or handling and can end up in the environment.
6. Paints and Coatings: Paints and coatings can contain tiny plastic particles that are released into the environment when the paint or coating breaks down.
7. Industrial Waste: Industrial waste, such as plastic pellets or other plastic scraps, can enter the environment through accidental spills or improper disposal.

The extent of the damage that microplastics cause is still being investigated, but one thing is clear: we need to take action to reduce our plastic waste and protect our planet’s wildlife.

As individuals, we can take steps to reduce our plastic use by bringing reusable bags and containers, avoiding single-use plastics, and properly disposing of plastics.

By working together and taking action to reduce our plastic waste, we can help prevent the spread of plasticosis and protect our planet’s wildlife for generations to come.

Click below to help fight plasticosis and take action for life on Earth!