What you need to know
Microplastics—tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters—are found everywhere: in our oceans, air, and even our food. But what does this mean for our health? While the exact impact of microplastics on humans is not fully understood, recent research points to worrying connections between microplastics and various diseases, including cardiovascular disease and inflammatory conditions.
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) can enter our bodies through the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even from drinking water stored in plastic bottles. A 2020 study, for instance, showed that babies fed formula from plastic bottles may be exposed to millions of microplastic particles daily. Additionally, synthetic clothing and tire abrasion contribute to the spread of MNPs, which then make their way into the atmosphere and oceans.
A groundbreaking study has recently linked microplastics to cardiovascular disease. Among 304 patients who underwent surgery for blocked carotid arteries, microplastics were found in the atherosclerotic plaques that had accumulated in their arteries. Of the patients studied, 58% had microplastics such as polyethylene in their plaques, and a smaller group also had polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in their blood vessels. The presence of these particles was shown to increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death by 4.5 times compared to patients without these particles in their plaques.
There is also evidence suggesting that microplastics play a role in inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In one study, higher concentrations of microplastics were found in the feces of individuals with IBD compared to healthy individuals. Although a direct causal link has not been established, this suggests that microplastics may contribute to chronic inflammation in the body.
While the link between microplastics and health issues needs further investigation, some scientists warn that we may be on the brink of a “microplastic crisis.” Without effective measures, microplastic pollution could dramatically increase. In 2019, 353 million tons of plastic waste were produced globally, and that number could triple by 2060.
The health risks posed by microplastics are slowly coming to light, but much more research is needed to fully understand the scope and mechanisms of this threat. What we do know is that the presence of microplastics in our bodies can no longer be ignored, and they may represent a new risk factor for serious diseases. It is crucial for international collaboration to address both plastic pollution and its potential health consequences.
“Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events”, The New Engeland Journal of Medicine, March 2024
“Microplastics are everywhere — we need to understand how they affect human health”, Nature Medicine volume 30, page913 (2024)
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