Microplastic Pollution: These Tiny Particles of Whole Plastics Confirmed for the First to Threaten Human Health [Study]

Microplastics, as well as nanoplastics, are tiny particles or fragments from broken down whole plastics: which never fully disappear since plastic waste only gets smaller and smaller, resulting in their accumulation. In recent years, scientists gained an understanding of these materials, especially their presence in marine and terrestrial systems. Previous research also found microplastics in the air and inside the body of some living organisms.

While scientific literature considers microplastic pollution as harmful, there is lacking knowledge on its impact on human health, according to a recent study led by scientists from Italy. The new research paper found a strong link between microplastics and nanoplastics with human health problems. The scientific team considered both plastics, called "MNPs," as an emerging potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Microplastic Pollution

Microplastics measuring less than 5 millimeters long, comparable to the size of a pencil eraser, can pose as a threat to aquatic life and Earth's oceans. While these very small plastic debris are considered as harmful to ecosystems, little is known about microplastics and their impacts yet since the subject matter is an emerging field of study, according to the National Ocean Service. This means little research is conducted on it yet.

However, evidence show that plastic materials contain toxic chemical substances. With this premise, even the smaller versions of whole plastics are believed to possess the same hazardous properties. For larger plastics, scientists have proven that the consumption of these materials when they end up as marine debris can cause the deaths of various marine animals, including sea turtles, whales, fish, sea lions, and corals.

Are Microplastics Harmful to Humans?

The National Ocean Service states most plastics in the ocean break up into very small particles where they become microplastics, which aquatic life and birds can misidentify as food. While it is clear that these smaller plastics are detrimental to the health and well-being of marine animals, it has also been asked if microplastics are harmful to humans. Recently, scientists determined the answer to the long-held inquiry.

In the new study published in the journal New England Journal of Medicine, researchers examined patients in Italy who were suffering from a condition called carotid artery plaque. The illness involves plaque buildup in the arteries, where blood flow is potentially blocked. The research team arrived at their conclusion that microplastics are harmful to human health after detecting the presence of MNPs in the plaques.

The team also found that people with carotid artery plaque containing both microplastics and nanoplastics have a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. The presence of the tiny plastic particles was found after the researchers collected and analyzed plaque specimens from the patients.

The findings also confirm previous evidence that exposure to plastics can occur both in outdoor and indoor environments, including in our homes.