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[Microplastic and dermatological care]
Susanne Saha1, Christian Laforsch2, Anja Ramsperger2
1Arbeitskreis Plastik und Nachhaltigkeit in der Dermatologie (APN), Guntramstr. 8, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland. office@akdermaplastik.de.
Background:
Synthetic polymers (plastics) from fossil resources are produced in large quantities and reach the environment as microplastics due to improper disposal and via various entry routes. This may lead to implications on flora, fauna, and humans.
Objectives:
This article aims to provide a concise overview for dermatologists about this complex topic and how it relates to daily medical practice.
Materials And Methods:
We performed a selective literature review regarding microplastics and sustainability in dermatology in liaison with the collaborative research center on microplastics at the University of Bayreuth.
Results:
Primary and secondary microplastics are released into the environment on a large scale and accumulate in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This may lead to their disruption and bears potential to create ecological niches for human pathogenic species. Humans and animals inhale and ingest microplastics, and the health consequences have not been sufficiently investigated. This is mainly because microplastics are not a homogenous group of substances, and potential effects depend on various properties (e.g., type of polymer, size, shape, additivation, surface charge). Dermatological care is resource intensive and contributes in various ways to this matter.
Conclusion:
Plastics are currently indispensable in many fields. Nevertheless, physicians have the responsibility to prevent negative consequences for the health of society (precautionary principle). Extensive efforts are thus necessary for better sustainability; this includes medical care.
Insights
Microplastics from synthetic polymers contaminate ecosystems, posing risks to health. Dermatologists must consider microplastic impacts and promote sustainable practices in medical care to protect society.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Dermatology
Context:
- Synthetic polymers (plastics) are mass-produced from fossil resources.
- Improper disposal leads to widespread environmental microplastic contamination.
- Microplastics impact flora, fauna, and potentially human health.
Purpose:
- Provide dermatologists with a concise overview of microplastics.
- Explain the relevance of microplastics to daily medical practice.
- Highlight the connection between dermatology and microplastic sustainability.
Summary:
- Microplastics accumulate in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, disrupting ecological balance.
- Ingestion and inhalation of microplastics by humans and animals raise health concerns.
- Health effects are complex due to microplastic variability (type, size, shape, charge).
Impact:
- Physicians must act on the precautionary principle to prevent adverse health outcomes.
- Dermatological care is resource-intensive and contributes to the microplastic issue.
- Urgent, extensive efforts are needed for greater sustainability, including within medical care.
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