This RGA Brief provides an update to a previous report on microplastics and highlights the latest research into microplastics and the potential for adverse health outcomes.
In 2023, RGA published a review of research indicating microplastics may negatively impact human health. Though evidence to quantify that impact is currently insufficient, microplastics remain a potential risk worth monitoring.
“Underwriters understand risks come in many forms and, as this research suggests, can even be made of plastic. With knowledge of both new health threats and medical advances accelerating constantly, keeping up with the tsunami of information can be daunting. The key is to make ongoing learning a priority and remain vigilant in seeking the truth. RGA can help.”
— Catie Muccigrosso, Vice President and Chief Underwriter, USIM
This RGA Brief provides an update, highlighting the latest research into microplastics and the potential for adverse health outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reported that individuals living in coastal counties with very high levels of marine microplastic levels (MMLs) had an 18%, 7%, and 9% higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D), coronary artery disease (CAD), and stroke, respectively, compared to counties with low levels of MMLs. The study included 152 coastal counties, with a mean prevalence across the counties of 11.7%, 7.5%, and 3.6% for T2D, CAD, and stroke. The mean prevalence of these diseases was higher in counties along the Gulf of Mexico compared to counties with an Atlantic or Pacific Ocean coastline, with the latter reporting the lowest prevalence.1
Another recent study published in Nature Medicine showed increasing concentrations of micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) identified in postmortem human liver, kidney, and brain samples from 2016-2024. Greater accumulations of MNPs were noted in decedent brains with dementia diagnosis, compared to brain tissue from decedents with no history of dementia. Most notably, MNP concentrations in normal brain samples were 7-30 times greater than the levels observed in liver or kidney tissue samples.2 A separate 2020 study showed that there were 50% more MNPs identified in feces of individuals with inflammatory bowel disease compared to healthy individuals.3
Human exposure to MNPs can occur via ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Ingestion through drinking or eating is the primary route, such as drinking from plastic water bottles. People are increasingly exposed to MNPs through environmental waste, including through contaminated food such as fish and shellfish. Globally, MNPs have been found in 45% of fish samples, and were identified in 98% of seafood samples collected from the Oregon coast and sales markets in 2021.1 In fact, more than 57% of MNPs in foods are from aquatic sources such as seafood.3
In an effort to tackle the problem of contaminated water from environmental pollutants such as MNPs and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is investing $9 billion to address the issue and protect communities from adverse health impacts.4 The EPA is also developing programs to monitor and assess different types of plastics in water and aquatic life and to understand their impact on human health.5
Worryingly, MNPs in the environment continue to increase. In Asian, African, and American countries, including the US, human ingestion of MNPs increased more than six-fold between 1990 and 2018.
Eliminating 99% of aquatic plastic debris through water management could decrease human exposure by 55%.3 A global effort is required to limit MNP pollution in the environment and protect human health from potential adverse effects.
Although more research is needed to understand health implications, microplastic pollution could materially impact mortality and morbidity rates in the future and therefore influence underwriting guidelines and pricing assumptions. For now, monitoring emerging studies on MNPs is the prudent course of action.
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