3 ms·
Is there some obvious reason the causality of this would be going one way rather than the other? The 60-40 split and the strength of the effect makes me wonder
by amenhotep 3y ago
Is there some obvious reason the causality of this would be going one way rather than the other? The 60-40 split and the strength of the effect makes me wonder if it isn't more likely that the high plastic group are failing to keep it out of their cells due to health problems, rather than the plastic itself causing health problems - especially with the mention of smoking and maleness being linked with the high plastic group.
- biomcgary 3y agoCausality is very tricky in biology and one of the primary focuses of my work. In this case, they find that those with lots of microplastics also have high inflammation. So, are the microplastics: A. causing the inflammation, or B. microplastics following a path from the gut to the rest of the body due to pre-existing inflammation causing epithelial (surface) cells to be compromised, C. a feedback loop involving A and B.
- berner 3y agoSmoking seems like it could be linked to absorption via the lungs either through damage or willingness to spend time in outdoor environments most would avoid. Of course there could be many other reasons for that correlation, so it would certainly be nice to at least know how the plastic was absorbed.
- amenhotep 3y agoOn reflection C seems like quite a good bet :) thanks!