Microplastics, the pervasive and minuscule plastic fragments that have been found in various environments, have now been discovered in human heart tissues, according to a recent study conducted by researchers from the American Chemical Society’s Environmental Science & Technology division (ACS). The study further suggests that these microplastics might have been introduced into the heart tissues during surgical procedures, shedding light on a previously overlooked route of exposure.
Microplastics, defined as plastic particles measuring less than 5 millimeters, have been identified in sources such as food, water, air, and even some human organs. However, knowledge about their presence in innermost organs that are not directly exposed to the external environment remains limited. This pilot study focused on individuals who had undergone heart surgery and examined the presence of microplastics in their heart tissues.
The researchers collected heart tissue samples from 15 individuals during cardiac surgeries and also obtained pre- and post-operation blood specimens from half of the participants. Using advanced techniques such as laser direct infrared imaging, the team identified microplastic particles ranging from 20 to 500 micrometers in width. These particles were composed of eight different types of plastic, including polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and poly(methyl methacrylate). The study revealed varying amounts and types of microplastics among the participants, with tens to thousands of individual particles found in most tissue samples.
Surprisingly, the researchers also found microplastic particles in the blood samples of all participants. However, the average size of these particles decreased after surgery, and a wider variety of plastic types was detected in the post-surgery samples.
Despite the relatively small number of participants in this study, the findings raise concerns about the potential accumulation and persistence of microplastics in the heart and its inner tissues. Moreover, the study emphasizes that medical procedures could serve as an unexpected pathway for microplastics to enter the human body, granting them direct access to the bloodstream and internal tissues. This novel insight calls for further research to comprehensively understand the impact of microplastics on the cardiovascular system, especially in the context of post-heart surgery prognosis.
In light of these findings, the American Chemical Society emphasizes the need for expanded investigations into the implications of microplastics on human health. As the prevalence of microplastics continues to rise, both their potential health risks and their broader impact on the environment require thorough examination.
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