Microplastics Abound in Prostate Tumors
Newser • • general
Key Points:
- Researchers at NYU Langone Health found microplastics in nine out of 10 prostate tumor samples, with concentrations about 2.5 times higher than in adjacent noncancerous tissue.
- The pilot study, involving samples from 10 men undergoing prostate removal, is the first Western research to directly compare plastic levels in prostate tumors and healthy prostate tissue.
- The team took rigorous measures to avoid lab contamination, suggesting that microplastic exposure may be a risk factor for prostate cancer, potentially through inflammation that promotes cancer development.
- Experts emphasize the study's limited sample size and the need for larger research but acknowledge growing evidence linking microplastics to various health issues, including dementia, heart disease, and now possibly prostate cancer.
