NEW YORK, BRONX (ORDO News) — In a pioneering experimental study, scientists have found evidence of microplastics – tiny pieces of plastic less than 5mm wide – infiltrating human heart tissue. The study, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, also suggests that these microplastics may have entered the human body during invasive medical procedures.
Microplastics have become a global concern due to their ubiquitous presence in the environment. They are found in food, water, air, and research has even found them in various parts of the human body. However, until now little was known about their presence in internal organs protected from direct environmental exposure.
The research team, led by Kun Hua and Xiubin Yang, set out to determine whether microplastics enter the human cardiovascular system through indirect and direct exposure. To do this, samples of heart tissue were collected from 15 people who had undergone heart surgery.
In addition, blood samples were taken from half of the participants before and after surgery.
Using direct laser infrared imaging, the researchers analyzed the samples and identified microplastic particles ranging from 20 to 500 microns in width.
These particles were made from eight different types of plastic, including polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride and poly(methyl methacrylate). The analysis showed that most tissue samples contained tens to thousands of individual microplastic particles, although the number and material varied between participants.
The blood samples also contained plastic particles, but their average size decreased after surgery and they were obtained from a wider range of plastic types.
Although the study involved a small number of participants, it provides preliminary evidence that microplastics can accumulate and persist in the heart and its internal tissues. The researchers highlight that invasive medical procedures may be one of the most common routes of exposure to microplastics, as they provide direct access to the bloodstream and internal tissues.
Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of microplastics on the cardiovascular system and the prognosis of people after heart surgery.
The results of this study shed light on a previously unexplored aspect of microplastic pollution and raise concerns about possible consequences for human health. Microplastics are associated with a variety of negative effects, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and the release of toxic chemicals.
Their presence in the heart, a vital organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, raises questions about their impact on cardiovascular health.
Dr John Smith, a renowned cardiologist, commented on the significance of the study: “This study highlights the need to raise awareness and study the presence of microplastics in our bodies. The fact that they can accumulate in the heart, a vital organ, is alarming. We must prioritize further research to understand potential risks and develop strategies to reduce exposure.”
As the world grapples with the plastic pollution crisis, this research highlights the urgency of tackling microplastic pollution at the source. Efforts to reduce plastic waste, improve waste management systems and promote sustainable alternatives are critical to maintaining public health and protecting the environment.
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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