Is there are strong indication that plastic pollution leads to DNA damage and mutation? DNA damage and mutation are two groups of errors that occur in DNA. Environmental factors, and certain compounds can cause DNA damage, mutations occurs as a result of errors in DNA replication and recombination.
Greetings Nwankwo,
Excellent question. There exists some research that indicates or implicates chemicals/compounds that occur in plastics that does effect DNA damage. So, we know some of the chemicals are responsible. We have a study ready to go (needs funding) to prove that the presence/increase of plastics in the ecology adds to DNA damage, to determine the percentage of increase and if it follows the quantity of pollution. However, we are not aware of any study completed to date to answer your question. Im very keen to see what responses you receive! We have seen some very good sourcing of data from Australian based Universities and groups looking at the overall pollution issue. I will try to find the scientists involved and add to this comment.
@Jeffrey, thank you! It would be great to have the scientists explain any form of indication that plastic pollution leads to DNA damage and mutation.
I recommend an excellent work clarifying the connection between plastic package and DNA damage via deregulation of estrogen receptors
Environmental Research Volume 196, May 2021, 110329
https://www.sciencedirect.com › science › article › abs › pii
by OE Omoike · 2021 · Cited by 15 — A cross-sectional study of the association between perfluorinated chemical exposure and cancers related to deregulation of estrogen
There is growing evidence that plastic pollution can cause DNA damage and mutations in various organisms, including humans. Plastic pollution releases a variety of chemical compounds into the environment, some of which have been shown to have genotoxic effects. For example, plasticizers such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates have been found to cause DNA damage and mutations in cells, which can lead to various diseases, including cancer.
Moreover, plastics can also act as carriers for other pollutants, such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known to be mutagenic and carcinogenic.
Studies have found that marine organisms exposed to microplastics have shown DNA damage and mutations, which can lead to reduced fertility, developmental abnormalities, and increased susceptibility to diseases. Additionally, studies on human cells and animal models have shown that exposure to plastic particles can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which can also lead to DNA damage and mutations.
Overall, while more research is needed to fully understand the extent of the impact of plastic pollution on DNA damage and mutations, current evidence suggests that it is a significant concern that warrants further investigation and action.
There is some evidence to suggest that plastic pollution may cause DNA damage and mutations in aquatic organisms. Plastic particles can act as carriers for other pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals, which can be harmful to DNA. Additionally, plastic particles can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) when they come into contact with UV radiation, which can also damage DNA. A study published in 2021 found that exposure to microplastics caused DNA damage and altered gene expression in the liver of zebrafish. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of plastic pollution on DNA damage and mutation in aquatic organisms.
- Badges
- Science topic