A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has raised concerns about the potential impact of plastic pollution on heart health. The study, conducted in Italy, examined the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in the artery plaque of 257 individuals who underwent surgery to clear blocked blood vessels in their necks.
The researchers found evidence of plastics, primarily nanoplastics, in the artery plaque of 150 patients, while no plastics were detected in 107 patients. Over a three-year follow-up period, individuals with plastics in their blood vessels had a higher incidence of heart attack, stroke, or death compared to those without plastics. Additionally, heightened inflammation was observed in individuals with plastic particles, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Despite these findings, the study has limitations. It focused on a small sample size of individuals with narrowed arteries who were already at risk for heart disease. Furthermore, factors such as heart disease, diabetes, and smoking were more prevalent in individuals with plastics, potentially confounding the results. Additionally, the study lacked information on participants’ exposure to plastics through consumption or inhalation.
Dr. Raffaele Marfella, the lead researcher, emphasized the need for heightened awareness of the health implications of plastic pollution. However, experts caution that the study cannot establish a causal relationship between plastics and cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Philip Landrigan of Boston College highlighted the significance of further research to confirm or refute the findings, noting that this study is the first to suggest a potential link between microplastics/nanoplastics and disease in humans. While plastic particles have been found in various organs and bodily fluids, additional studies are needed to clarify their impact on health.
Ultimately, the study underscores the urgency of addressing plastic pollution and its potential consequences for human health, prompting a call for continued research into this complex issue.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
