A groundbreaking study conducted by Italian researchers has established a connection between the presence of microplastics in the human body and its impact on human health. Published in The New England Journal of Medicine, this study is the first of its kind to link microplastics in artery-clogging plaque to a higher risk of heart disease and even death.
Microplastics, microscopic shards of chemical-laced fossil fuel polymers, have been found in various locations, from remote regions of Antarctica to human hearts and even newborn babies. However, until now, there had been no established link between microplastics and their measurable impacts on the human body.
The study followed 257 participants who had fatty plaques removed from their carotid arteries, the blood vessels that carry blood between the head and the heart. Polyethylene, the most widely-used plastic in the world, was detected in the carotid artery plaque of 150 patients. Electron microscopy revealed visible foreign particles among plaque macrophages, indicating the presence of microplastics.
Over a period of 34 months, the researchers found that participants with microplastics in their arteries were nearly five times more likely to experience a heart attack, stroke, or even death. Cardiologist Eric Topol described these findings as extraordinary, highlighting the unexpected presence of microplastics in arteries and their role in accelerating arteriosclerosis.
It is important to note that this study is observational and does not establish a solid correlation between microplastics and cardiovascular emergencies or death. However, some doctors believe that microplastic-induced inflammation, which is considered a major driver of cardiovascular disease, may play a role.
Despite the need for further research, scientists agree that these results warrant additional investigation into the influence of microplastics on the human body. This study also raises questions about humanity’s relationship with petroleum products and their impact on both the environment and our bodies.
Philip Landrigan, a Boston College pediatrician and epidemiologist, emphasized the significance of the study’s finding of microplastics and nanoplastics in plaque tissue. While other factors may have contributed to adverse outcomes among the patients in this study, the discovery of microplastics in plaque tissue is a breakthrough that demands urgent attention.
This study serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the potential risks associated with microplastics and the need for further research. As microplastics continue to infiltrate various aspects of our lives, it is crucial to understand their impact on our health and take steps to mitigate their presence.