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February 25, 2025 – A new preliminary study suggests that tiny plastic particles found in ocean waters may be linked to an increased risk of disability for people living in coastal areas with high microplastic levels. The research, released today, will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting, scheduled to take place from April 5–9, 2025.
The study analyzed disabilities related to memory and thinking, mobility, and a person’s ability to take care of themselves. While it does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, it highlights an association between marine microplastic levels and higher disability rates in coastal communities.
Microplastics and Their Impact
Marine microplastics are tiny plastic fragments, smaller than 5 millimeters, that enter the ocean from various sources such as broken-down plastic waste, fishing nets, face scrubs, and food wrappers. These particles persist in the environment and may pose risks to human health.
“The environment can play a crucial role in our health, and factors such as pollution may impact a person’s risk of developing cognitive decline and other neurological disabilities,” said Dr. Sarju Ganatra of Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts. “Our study found that in coastal communities with higher levels of microplastics in the water, there were higher rates of disabilities that can affect a person’s life in many ways, including thinking and memory, movement, and independent living.”
Study Findings
Researchers examined 218 coastal counties across 22 U.S. states, categorizing them based on marine microplastic concentrations. These categories ranged from low (0 to 0.005 microplastic pieces per cubic meter of ocean water) to very high (10 or more pieces per cubic meter). Some counties with extreme levels contained over 1,000 microplastic pieces per cubic meter.
The study found that in counties with the highest microplastic concentrations:
- The prevalence of memory and thinking disabilities was 15.2%, compared to 13.9% in the lowest-level counties.
- Mobility disability rates were 14.1% in high-exposure areas, versus 12.3% in areas with the lowest exposure.
- Self-care disabilities, which include difficulty dressing or bathing, were 4.2% in high-exposure areas compared to 3.6% in lower-exposure areas.
- Independent living disabilities, such as difficulties managing finances or transportation, were 8.5% in high-exposure counties versus 7.7% in lower-exposure counties.
Even after adjusting for variables such as heart disease, stroke, depression, air pollution, and socioeconomic factors, researchers found that the counties with the highest marine microplastic levels exhibited:
- A 9% higher rate of memory and thinking disabilities.
- A 6% higher rate of mobility disabilities.
- A 16% higher rate of self-care disabilities.
- An 8% higher rate of independent living disabilities.
A Call for Further Research
While the study sheds light on a potential connection between marine microplastics and disability risks, more research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the broader public health implications.
“The amount of plastic in different areas can vary due to ocean currents, which can concentrate plastics in certain regions,” Ganatra explained. “Other factors, like population density, waste management, and industrial activities, may also contribute. The relationship between microplastic exposure and health effects is complex and requires further investigation.”
A key limitation of the study is that it provides only a snapshot in time and does not track changes in marine microplastic levels or residents’ health over time.
Disclaimer
This study establishes an association between marine microplastics and disability prevalence but does not prove causation. Further research is needed to determine the direct impact of microplastics on human health. Individuals concerned about microplastic exposure should consult environmental health experts and policymakers for more information.
