We know that plastics can be harmful to the environment, but we know far less about the impact of microplastics (often found in bottled water) on the human body. New research shows that nanoplastics, plastic particles far smaller than microplastics, in your bloodstream may raise your risk for heart attack, stroke, and early death.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine looked at how plastic contamination could be linked to human diseases. Researchers did this by examining tissue removed from the neck arteries of 257 living people who underwent carotid endarterectomy—a surgical procedure used to reduce the risk of stroke from carotid artery disease.
Under a microscope, researchers found “visible, jagged-edged foreign particles” scattered in the plaque and external debris from the surgery, the study stated. Measurable amounts of polyethylene, a common plastic used in plastic wrap, plastic bags, and food and drink containers, were found in the plaque tissues of 150 people in the study. Samples from another 31 patients also had measurable amounts of polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC or vinyl.
Participants with microplastics and nanoplastics in their bodies were then followed for 34 months. At follow-up, heart attack, stroke, or death from any cause occurred in 20% of those patients, compared to only 7.5% in patients without detectable plastic particles.
After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and health conditions such as diabetes and abnormal cholesterol, the patients with detectable levels of plastics had nearly a five times greater risk of a cardiovascular event than those without detectable levels of plastics.
Nanoplastics are microscopic particles of plastic that are formed through the natural breakdown and degeneration of plastics that are left in the environment, says Sam Mathis, M.D., family physician and internal medicine doctor at the University of Texas Medical Branch. “Many of these plastics enter our bodies through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact.”
Because of their incredibly small size, nanoplastics can enter the body and bloodstream in a few different ways, says Neerav Sheth, M.D., cardiologist at Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia. “Firstly, they can enter directly through inhalation via the lungs. They can also enter the body directly via the GI tract via the consumption of particles (such as those generated from chopping on a plastic cutting board) or indirectly through the food system (for example, fish that may have consumed nanoplastics that are then ingested by people),” he explains.
The body doesn’t really know how to manage nanoplastics properly, says Dr. Sheth. “They’re recognized as foreign particles, but the body doesn’t have mechanisms in place to digest them or break them down. Ultimately, they get walled off.” If they’re deposited in dangerous places like the blood vessels in the heart or brain, it can lead to accelerated inflammation and atherosclerosis, which increase the risk of early heart disease and stroke, he explains.
The bottom line
This new research effectively identifies another risk factor for accelerated cardiovascular disease, says Dr. Mathis. “Now that it’s identified, we can work on modifying that.”
So, how can you reduce your risk of ingesting nanoplastics? Dr. Mathis suggests the best way to reduce damage from the material is through prevention. “Limit the purchase of plastic-containing items and make sure to recycle your plastic appropriately. When plastics are thrown into the streets or oceans, that leads to their breakdown and spread into our food and environment.” Consider buying items in recyclable glass containers or direct from vendors (meat markets and farmers markets), he suggests.
On a smaller scale, avoid using poor-quality plastics in cooking, suggests Dr. Sheth. “Use wooden or metal utensils when able and don’t microwave plastics or reheat food in plastic that’s not deemed safe.”
On a larger scale, we have to do better to preserve our environment, atmosphere, and ecosystems, says Dr. Sheth. “Essentially, this requires becoming more aware of waste, avoiding dumping plastics into the ocean, or burning them into the air, focusing on renewable energies, and recycling.”
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