Scientists have recently found that microplastics bioaccumulate in every organ, including the brain. Microplastics are amongst the most pervasive pollutants on the planet. They have been discovered in the air, in water systems and food chains around the world. While their negative impacts on marine organisms have been established, few studies have examined the potential health impacts on mammals.
Now, a study has linked microplastics to cardiovascular disease in humans for the first time.
Published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the observational study involved a total of 304 patients who were undergoing a surgery for asymptomatic carotid artery disease. The carotid arteries are the main blood vessels that carry oxygen and blood to the brain. In carotid artery disease, these arteries become narrowed, which reduces blood flow to the brain and can cause a stroke.
Results show that polyethylene was detected in carotid artery plaque of 150 patients (58.4%), and 31 patients (12.1%) also had measurable amounts of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Those with plastic particles in their carotid artery plaque had a 4.5 times higher risk of experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or even dying during the next three years, the researchers found after taking individuals’ other risk factors into account.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year, according to the World Health Organisation.
Linking microplastics to these diseases adds to calls to limit human exposure to these particles.