Overview

• A review in Osteoporosis International pooled 62 studies indicating microplastics impair bone-related cells and drive bone resorption by promoting osteoclast formation.
• Scientists have detected microplastics in human blood, brain, placenta, breast milk and bone tissue.
• Animal studies cited in the review report accelerated osteoclast senescence, compromised bone microstructure and interruption of skeletal growth.
• A FAPESP-supported team at FCM-UNICAMP’s LEMON lab is launching animal experiments to measure how exposure influences the strength of rodent femurs.
• Evidence suggests microplastics can reach bone marrow and disturb its metabolism as the IOF projects osteoporosis-related fractures to rise 32% by 2050.