We breathe, eat and drink tiny particles of plastic. But are these minuscule specks in the body harmless, dangerous or somewhere in between?

A recent research article published in the New England Journal of Medicine has brought about more uncertainty regarding the potential impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on the heart. While the Italian study has flaws, it has brought attention to the ongoing discussion surrounding plastic pollution. As most plastic waste is not recycled and instead breaks down into smaller particles, this study has raised concerns. Despite its potential, heart specialist Dr. Steve Nissen from the Cleveland Clinic points out that the study has limitations and is not conclusive in proving that microplastics are a direct cause of heart disease. However, it does shed light on the need to take the issue of microplastics seriously as a potential contributor. What were the findings of the study?

A group of 257 individuals who underwent neck surgery to unblock blood vessels were studied. Scientists from Italy examined the fatty deposits extracted by surgeons from the carotid arteries, which deliver oxygenated blood to the brain.

By utilizing two approaches, they uncovered proof of plastics, primarily non-detectable nanoplastics, in the plaque of 150 individuals, while no evidence of plastics was found in 107 patients.

Over the course of three years, the individuals were monitored. Within that timeframe, 30 out of 100 or approximately 20% of those with exposure to plastics experienced heart attacks, strokes, or death from any cause. In comparison, only eight out of 100 or approximately 8% of those without any signs of plastics had similar health issues.

The scientists also discovered additional indications of inflammation in individuals who had pieces of plastic in their blood vessels. Inflammation is the body’s reaction to injury and is believed to increase the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.

Dr. Raffaele Marfella, the lead researcher from the University of Campania in Italy, expressed his hope that the concerning findings of our study will bring attention to the urgent need for individuals and governments to prioritize the health of our planet. In an email, Dr. Marfella stated his desire for this message to raise awareness and prompt action. What issues were found in the study?

The study included individuals with constricted arteries, a known factor for heart attack and stroke, and found that those who received plastic treatment had higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol compared to those without plastic treatment. The participants with plastics were predominantly males and smokers.

The scientists attempted to account for these potential risks in their statistical evaluation, however, there could have been significant distinctions between the groups that could explain the findings. It is not possible for this study to conclusively prove that plastics were the cause of their issues.

The scientists did not have any data on the individuals’ intake or exposure to potential sources of plastic.

The lab specimens may have been tainted. The researchers recognize this in their report and propose conducting future investigations in controlled environments with purified air.

According to the researchers, individuals who had exposure to plastics had a significantly higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death, which was four times greater than those without exposure. Nissen commented that this level of risk is concerning.

He stated that this could imply that microplastics are the leading factor in coronary heart disease, which has not yet been found. However, he does not believe this is probable.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Dr. Philip Landrigan from Boston College stated that further investigation is necessary. In his editorial for the journal, he noted that this is the initial study to propose a potential link between microplastics and nanoplastics and human illness. Other researchers have also discovered fragments of plastic in various parts of the body including the lungs, liver, blood, placenta, and breast milk.

The speaker stated that while it doesn’t demonstrate a direct causal relationship, it does indicate one. Furthermore, it is imperative for other researchers in different groups to either replicate or disprove the findings.

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The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group provides support to the Associated Press Health and Science Department. The AP is the sole party responsible for the content.