Plastic, in its many forms, has surrounded us for nearly a century and is now one of the most common raw materials in the world. We use it to produce a wide variety of products, including bottles, food packaging, and bags, as well as sewage pipes, flooring, chairs, and car accessories. The term "plastic" encompasses many types of synthetic materials known for their affordability, lightweight properties, rapid production capabilities, and versatility in shaping into almost any desired form, resulting in lightweight and durable items. It's no wonder the plastic industry has grown to become one of the largest in the world.
For many years, it has been known that plastic has a detrimental impact on Earth's ecology. Its durability means it breaks down very slowly, unlike natural materials, leading to the accumulation of plastic waste in oceans and on land, causing severe damage to various ecosystems. As plastic degrades, wears out, or ages, it fragments into tiny particles known as microplastics or nanoplastics, named for their minuscule size, often measuring just a few micrometers, or even nanometers—a billionth of a meter.
In recent years, numerous studies have shown that microplastics are not only prevalent in soil, oceans, and the air, but also in our bodies - in human tissues such as lungs, placenta, blood, urine, and breast milk. These particles enter our bodies through ingestion, inhalation, and sometimes even through the skin. A new study conducted at the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Italy found microplastic particles in calcifications within the carotid artery in the neck. Furthermore, their presence is closely linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and premature death.
Heart of Microplastic
The researchers examined 257 atherosclerosis patients who underwent surgery to remove atherosclerotic plaques from the carotid arteries in their necks. Atherosclerosis, also known as arteriosclerosis, is a condition in which narrowing or blockage of an artery occurs due to the buildup of deposits on the artery wall, which impairs blood flow. In the samples taken from the patients' calcifications, the researchers analyzed 11 types of microplastics and nanoplastics, finding polyethylene micro-particles in 58% of them. Among these, 12% also had micro-particles of the widely used synthetic plastic polymer PVC.
Next, the researchers investigated whether the presence of microplastics in the calcifications was related to an inflammatory response in the patients—a defense mechanism of the immune system which typically protects the body from foreign agents. To do this, they analyzed the samples for cytokines, protein molecules involved in communication between the immune system and body tissues, particularly during inflammatory processes. Indeed, samples containing polyethylene showed higher levels of cytokines and proteins associated with an inflammatory response.
After the surgery, the researchers continued to monitor the patients' conditions for approximately three years. During this period, 7.5% of patients whose calcifications did not contain microplastic particles experienced heart attacks, strokes, or death. In contrast, among those with microplastic particles, the incidence of these life-threatening events was significantly higher, reaching 20%. This finding suggests that, at least for patients who underwent carotid artery surgery, the presence of microplastic particles in the deposits is linked to a substantial increase in the likelihood of experiencing life-threatening symptoms. However, the study did not identify the specific mechanism contributing to this increased risk.
Reducing Plastic Use for Better Health
Since plastic is almost non-degradable, a significant portion of the vast amounts of plastic we produce breaks down and eventually ends up in nature, potentially reaching the human body. The aforementioned study and other studies in recent years have begun to demonstrate the detrimental health impact of this plastic contamination. Therefore, the next time you use disposable plastic utensils or plastic bags, consider opting for reusable items. And if you do use plastic utensils or packaging, ensure proper disposal in recycling bins. It’s crucial for the health of all of us.