Tiny Plastic Particles, Big Questions for Patient Health

"Plastic has been found everywhere—lungs, breast milk, liver, spleen, placenta, even blood." – Dr. Magdalena Zemelka-Wiecek

Every week, we’re ingesting the equivalent of a credit card’s worth of plastic—through food, water, and even the air we breathe. In this episode, Dr. Mariam Hanna speaks with Dr. Magdalena Zemelka-Wiecek, associate professor of clinical immunology at Wroclaw Medical University, about the pervasive presence of plastics in our environment and their potential role in influencing human health. For allergists, understanding the links between plastic exposure and emerging health concerns—including its impact on the immune system—is increasingly relevant in patient care.

On this episode:

• Nano and microplastics explained: What they are, how they form, and why they’re turning up in surprising places like tap water and even breast milk.
• Health risks and immune implications: Exploring the connections between plastic exposure and inflammatory disorders, with emerging evidence on gut and liver health.
• Plastics and the microbiome: How microplastics might disrupt the gut microbiome, a key player in immune function.
• One Health perspective: Why reducing plastic use benefits not just individuals but ecosystems, emphasizing a shared responsibility for health.
• Actionable insights: Tips for counseling patients on simple steps to limit exposure while research continues.

Whether you're exploring the intersections of environmental and immune health or seeking guidance for patient discussions, this episode offers evidence-based insights and practical advice tailored to your clinical practice.

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The Allergist is produced for CSACI by PodCraft Productions