When they shed microscopic particles, also known as microplastics, into the environment, plastics aren’t only polluting the oceans and contaminating drinking water; they’re also impacting humans. If these particles are accidentally inhaled or ingested, they can seep into blood and clog the arteries, infect organs like the placenta and lungs, and even pollute breast milk.
These long-lasting contaminants can take hundreds of years to break down. Consequently, the cells that target and remove waste products cannot properly degrade these particles, which enables them to accumulate inside the human body. Surprisingly, these accumulated particles don’t automatically lead to harm; on the contrary, even after decades of research, it’s still hard to determine how much these particles affect people’s overall health.
Recent Study of Microplastics and Severe Health Problems
In a recent study, researchers from the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli found that microplastics can lead to severe health issues such as heart attack and stroke. Following over 200 people undergoing various surgeries, these studies also found that 60% of these participants had these particles in their main arteries.
Moreover, those who had microplastics in their body had a higher chance of getting severe health issues within 34 months after their surgery than those without it. Although the study exposed the risk these particles posed to humans, it didn’t consider the potential impacts of environmental and other common risk factors. Therefore, more studies would need to be done to get a more accurate picture of how these particles impact human health.
Study Reveals How Plaques Store Microplastics
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In other studies, researchers discovered that fat molecules attract microplastics, which prompted them to question whether these particles would accumulate in plaques. Specifically, they wanted to know if these particles would accumulate in fat deposits (plaques), forming on blood vessels.
By tracing 257 people undergoing surgical procedures, researchers would remove plaque from an artery in their necks, reducing their risk of stroke. Next, they studied these excised plaques by placing them underneath an electron microscope. From there, the researchers discovered microplastics in jagged blobs within cells of samples gathered from 150 of these participants.
What Chemical Analysis Reveals About Microplastics
Along with this discovery, chemical analysis revealed large quantities of microplastics came from polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl). Specifically, polyethylene is the most common plastic worldwide and is used mostly in medical tubing and food packaging. Likewise, analyses revealed that participants with these particles in their samples had more biomarkers for inflammation, contributing to severe health problems. When these particles trigger inflammation, it may cause the plaque to rupture and clog blood vessels.
More Research is Needed to Determine Link
Lastly, comparisons between participants who had or were free of microplastics showed interesting data. Those whose plaque samples were contaminated were more likely to be male and younger. Additionally, these individuals were either smokers or had health disorders such as cardiovascular disease.
Despite its promise, this study focused on people who required surgery; more studies with a broader population have to be done to determine whether there’s any link between microplastics and severe health issues overall. Still, even with the evidence of microplastics and their role in human health, the global response to address the problem has been slow. So far, only 175 nations have voted for an international agreement to eliminate all plastic pollution; they hope to finalize said agreement by the end of this year.
Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician. Please speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
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