Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Elaine Chen
Published on 2024-03-06 22:00:47
Micro and nanoplastics are becoming a growing concern as they are being found in various environments and are now known to have the ability to enter the human body. Recent research has identified these tiny plastic particles within fatty plaques that accumulate in blood vessels and have linked them to an increased risk of heart problems. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that individuals with plastic particles in their plaques had a 4.5-fold greater risk of experiencing major complications such as heart attacks, strokes, or even death compared to those without any plastic identified in their plaques.
The types of plastic particles discovered in the plaques were commonly used plastics like polyethylene, found in plastic bags and bottles, and polyvinyl chloride, used in pipes, insulation, and medical devices. While the study does not definitively prove that the plastic particles caused the increased risk of complications, it does establish a significant link between microplastics and cardiovascular issues that should be further investigated in future studies.
The presence of microplastics in the environment is a growing concern, with these particles being found in food, water sources, and even the atmosphere. As climate change accelerates the breakdown of plastic products, the issue of microplastic pollution is expected to worsen. While studies have shown the harmful effects of microplastics in animals and have detected them in various parts of the human body, there is still limited research on how these particles impact human health in the long term.
The study involved approximately 300 individuals in Italy who underwent carotid endarterectomies to remove fatty plaques from their blood vessels. Analysis of the collected plaques revealed jagged pieces of plastic embedded within them. Since previous research has suggested that microplastics can increase inflammation, the researchers also found a correlation between the amount of plastic particles in the plaques and levels of inflammatory markers in the body.
Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms through which microplastics may lead to inflammation and heart problems. One potential avenue of investigation is whether chemicals from the plastics leached into the plaques, affecting inflammation levels. Despite the study not definitively proving a causal relationship between microplastics and heart problems, it highlights the importance of investigating the impact of microplastic contamination on human health.
As global climate change continues, the breakdown of plastic contaminants is likely to increase, making microplastic pollution a greater concern in water supplies and the food chain. Researchers emphasize the need for further studies to assess the potential health effects of microplastics and to determine the long-term impact of these tiny plastic particles on human health. The findings from this study underscore the importance of addressing the issue of microplastic contamination in order to protect human health and the environment.
