Plasticosis: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Plasticosis | |||
| image = [[File:Asbestosis_high_mag.jpg|alt=Histological image of plasticosis]] | |||
| caption = Histological image showing plasticosis | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| specialty = [[Pathology]] | |||
| symptoms = Inflammation, scarring of tissues | |||
| complications = Impaired organ function | |||
| onset = | |||
| duration = | |||
| types = | |||
| causes = Ingestion of [[plastic]] particles | |||
| risks = Exposure to plastic pollution | |||
| diagnosis = [[Histopathology]] | |||
| differential = | |||
| prevention = Reducing plastic exposure | |||
| treatment = Supportive care | |||
| medication = | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depending on extent of exposure | |||
| frequency = Increasing in areas with high plastic pollution | |||
| deaths = | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|A disease caused by plastic ingestion}} | {{Short description|A disease caused by plastic ingestion}} | ||
'''Plasticosis''' is a fibrotic disease caused by the ingestion of [[plastic]] particles. It is characterized by the formation of scar tissue in the digestive tract of affected organisms, leading to various health complications. This condition has been primarily observed in marine birds, but it is a growing concern for other wildlife and potentially humans due to the pervasive presence of plastic in the environment. | '''Plasticosis''' is a fibrotic disease caused by the ingestion of [[plastic]] particles. It is characterized by the formation of scar tissue in the digestive tract of affected organisms, leading to various health complications. This condition has been primarily observed in marine birds, but it is a growing concern for other wildlife and potentially humans due to the pervasive presence of plastic in the environment. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
Plasticosis occurs when ingested plastic particles cause physical damage to the tissues of the digestive tract. The sharp edges of plastic fragments can create micro-abrasions, leading to inflammation and the subsequent development of fibrotic scar tissue. This fibrosis can impair the normal function of the digestive system, affecting nutrient absorption and leading to malnutrition. | Plasticosis occurs when ingested plastic particles cause physical damage to the tissues of the digestive tract. The sharp edges of plastic fragments can create micro-abrasions, leading to inflammation and the subsequent development of fibrotic scar tissue. This fibrosis can impair the normal function of the digestive system, affecting nutrient absorption and leading to malnutrition. | ||
The condition is similar to other fibrotic diseases, such as [[asbestosis]], where foreign particles cause chronic inflammation and scarring. In plasticosis, the continuous exposure to plastic debris exacerbates the inflammatory response, perpetuating the cycle of damage and fibrosis. | The condition is similar to other fibrotic diseases, such as [[asbestosis]], where foreign particles cause chronic inflammation and scarring. In plasticosis, the continuous exposure to plastic debris exacerbates the inflammatory response, perpetuating the cycle of damage and fibrosis. | ||
==Affected Species== | ==Affected Species== | ||
Plasticosis has been documented in various species of [[seabirds]], including the [[flesh-footed shearwater]] and the [[Laysan albatross]]. These birds often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to significant ingestion of plastic particles. The disease is of particular concern in these species due to their feeding habits and the high levels of plastic pollution in their habitats. | Plasticosis has been documented in various species of [[seabirds]], including the [[flesh-footed shearwater]] and the [[Laysan albatross]]. These birds often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to significant ingestion of plastic particles. The disease is of particular concern in these species due to their feeding habits and the high levels of plastic pollution in their habitats. | ||
==Environmental Impact== | ==Environmental Impact== | ||
The widespread presence of plastic in the environment poses a significant threat to wildlife. Plasticosis is one of the many ways in which plastic pollution affects animal health. The ingestion of plastic not only causes physical harm but can also lead to chemical exposure, as plastics often contain harmful additives and can absorb environmental pollutants. | The widespread presence of plastic in the environment poses a significant threat to wildlife. Plasticosis is one of the many ways in which plastic pollution affects animal health. The ingestion of plastic not only causes physical harm but can also lead to chemical exposure, as plastics often contain harmful additives and can absorb environmental pollutants. | ||
==Human Implications== | ==Human Implications== | ||
While plasticosis has been primarily observed in wildlife, there is concern about its potential impact on human health. Humans are exposed to microplastics through various sources, including food and water. The long-term effects of microplastic ingestion in humans are not yet fully understood, but the potential for similar fibrotic diseases raises significant public health concerns. | While plasticosis has been primarily observed in wildlife, there is concern about its potential impact on human health. Humans are exposed to microplastics through various sources, including food and water. The long-term effects of microplastic ingestion in humans are not yet fully understood, but the potential for similar fibrotic diseases raises significant public health concerns. | ||
==Prevention and Mitigation== | ==Prevention and Mitigation== | ||
Addressing plasticosis requires reducing plastic pollution at its source. Efforts to decrease plastic production, improve waste management, and increase public awareness are crucial. Conservation initiatives aimed at protecting affected species and their habitats are also important in mitigating the impact of plasticosis. | Addressing plasticosis requires reducing plastic pollution at its source. Efforts to decrease plastic production, improve waste management, and increase public awareness are crucial. Conservation initiatives aimed at protecting affected species and their habitats are also important in mitigating the impact of plasticosis. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Plastic pollution]] | * [[Plastic pollution]] | ||
* [[Microplastics]] | * [[Microplastics]] | ||
* [[Marine debris]] | * [[Marine debris]] | ||
* [[Fibrosis]] | * [[Fibrosis]] | ||
[[Category:Environmental diseases]] | [[Category:Environmental diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Plastic pollution]] | [[Category:Plastic pollution]] | ||
[[Category:Marine biology]] | [[Category:Marine biology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 05:13, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Plasticosis | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Pathology |
| Symptoms | Inflammation, scarring of tissues |
| Complications | Impaired organ function |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | |
| Causes | Ingestion of plastic particles |
| Risks | Exposure to plastic pollution |
| Diagnosis | Histopathology |
| Differential diagnosis | |
| Prevention | Reducing plastic exposure |
| Treatment | Supportive care |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | Variable, depending on extent of exposure |
| Frequency | Increasing in areas with high plastic pollution |
| Deaths | |
A disease caused by plastic ingestion
Plasticosis is a fibrotic disease caused by the ingestion of plastic particles. It is characterized by the formation of scar tissue in the digestive tract of affected organisms, leading to various health complications. This condition has been primarily observed in marine birds, but it is a growing concern for other wildlife and potentially humans due to the pervasive presence of plastic in the environment.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Plasticosis occurs when ingested plastic particles cause physical damage to the tissues of the digestive tract. The sharp edges of plastic fragments can create micro-abrasions, leading to inflammation and the subsequent development of fibrotic scar tissue. This fibrosis can impair the normal function of the digestive system, affecting nutrient absorption and leading to malnutrition. The condition is similar to other fibrotic diseases, such as asbestosis, where foreign particles cause chronic inflammation and scarring. In plasticosis, the continuous exposure to plastic debris exacerbates the inflammatory response, perpetuating the cycle of damage and fibrosis.
Affected Species[edit]
Plasticosis has been documented in various species of seabirds, including the flesh-footed shearwater and the Laysan albatross. These birds often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to significant ingestion of plastic particles. The disease is of particular concern in these species due to their feeding habits and the high levels of plastic pollution in their habitats.
Environmental Impact[edit]
The widespread presence of plastic in the environment poses a significant threat to wildlife. Plasticosis is one of the many ways in which plastic pollution affects animal health. The ingestion of plastic not only causes physical harm but can also lead to chemical exposure, as plastics often contain harmful additives and can absorb environmental pollutants.
Human Implications[edit]
While plasticosis has been primarily observed in wildlife, there is concern about its potential impact on human health. Humans are exposed to microplastics through various sources, including food and water. The long-term effects of microplastic ingestion in humans are not yet fully understood, but the potential for similar fibrotic diseases raises significant public health concerns.
Prevention and Mitigation[edit]
Addressing plasticosis requires reducing plastic pollution at its source. Efforts to decrease plastic production, improve waste management, and increase public awareness are crucial. Conservation initiatives aimed at protecting affected species and their habitats are also important in mitigating the impact of plasticosis.
