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Microplastics

Microplastics featured article

Introduction

Microplastics are everywhere: in the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the air we breathe. Imagine consuming the equivalent of a credit card’s worth of plastic every week—just by going about your daily routine. As startling as it may seem, this is the reality we face, exposing our bodies to a hidden threat that’s growing by the day.

What are microplastics? They're tiny pieces of plastic or other polymer-based materials, ranging from 5 millimeters (~0.2 inches) to as small as 100 nanometers, often called nanoplastics. These tiny particles contain a variety of chemicals that are harmful to humans, including polyethylene terephthalate (commonly called PET), polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyester, polyurethane, polyamide, styrene acrylate, and polymethyl-methacrylate.

Roughly 70% to 80% of micro- and nanoplastics come from the breakdown of larger plastic pieces, either through oxidation or other degradation processes. The...

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  • Microplastics

    Microplastics are polymeric fragments <5 mm, formed via environmental degradation of larger plastics and accumulate across trophic levels.

News & Publications

  • Kimchi-derived bacteria may help remove nanoplastics from the gut. doi.org
    Microbes Microbiome Pollution Microplastics

    Tiny plastic particles are now found in food, water, and even inside the human body, raising concerns about how they affect health. In a new study, scientists explored whether food-derived bacteria could help capture nanoplastics and promote their removal from the body.

    The researchers examined two lactic acid bacteria isolated from kimchi: Leuconostoc mesenteroides CBA3656 and Latilactobacillus sakei CBA3608. They exposed these bacteria to polystyrene nanoplastics (extremely small plastic particles under 1 micrometer in size) and measured how effectively the bacteria could bind and remove these particles under different laboratory conditions. They also evaluated Leuconostoc mesenteroides in germ-free mice, allowing the researchers to isolate the direct interaction between the bacteria and nanoplastics without interference from other microbes.

    • Under typical laboratory conditions, including neutral pH and body temperature, both strains rapidly captured nanoplastics, but Leuconostoc mesenteroides reached near-maximum performance within about 30 minutes, while Latilactobacillus sakei took about 60 minutes.
    • At higher plastic concentrations, Leuconostoc mesenteroides maintained strong performance, while Latilactobacillus sakei showed a sharp drop in efficiency.
    • Across a wide range of pH levels and temperatures, both strains remained effective, although Latilactobacillus sakei performed slightly better under extreme acidity and heat.
    • Microscopy images showed that nanoplastics attached to the outside of bacterial cells rather than entering them.
    • In simulated intestinal fluid, Leuconostoc mesenteroides retained substantial binding ability, while Latilactobacillus sakei lost most of its effectiveness, indicating greater suitability under conditions found in the human body.
    • Germ-free mice given Leuconostoc mesenteroides excreted more nanoplastics in their feces than untreated controls, suggesting reduced absorption in the gut.

    The experiments show that these bacteria bind nanoplastics to their surfaces, suggesting that the particles remain intact rather than being broken down. This is relevant because degradation may not promote elimination, as smaller fragments or byproducts could still be absorbed, whereas intact particles attached to the bacteria are more likely to pass through the gut and be excreted.

    Treated mice excreted more nanoplastics in their feces, but nanoplastic levels in internal organs were not measured, so it remains unclear how tissue exposure differed between treated and untreated mice. Because the mice were germ-free and lacked a normal gut microbiome, it is also uncertain whether the bacteria would be as effective in a typical gut with many other microbes present. However, if confirmed in human clinical trials, specific probiotic supplements or simply eating kimchi and other fermented foods could help protect against the harmful effects of nanoplastics. In this clip, I outline the steps I take to limit microplastic exposure and discuss methods that may support the elimination of microplastics and their associated chemicals.

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  • Microplastics may disrupt bone remodeling and blood cell formation, potentially raising risk for osteoporosis and other bone disorders. doi.org
    Bone Pollution Microplastics

    The spread of microplastics through the environment has become a global concern, and growing evidence suggests that they may also pose serious risks to human health.

    Microplastics, small particles measuring 5 millimeters or less, have been detected in various human tissues, including the brain, reproductive organs, and even bones. A new review in Osteoporosis International explored what these findings could mean for bone and bone marrow health, drawing on a range of studies involving cells, animals, and early human data.

    The findings across models tell a consistent story:

    • Microplastics were found in human skeletal tissues, roughly 23 particles per gram in bone and more than twice that in spinal discs.
    • Bone-building cells can absorb these particles, which appears to trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and signs of premature cell aging. These stressed cells produce more of the chemical signals that drive bone breakdown.
    • In mice and rats, exposure through diet led to weaker bones, slower growth, and disrupted bone microarchitecture, particularly in growing animals.
    • The bone marrow, where blood cells are formed, also showed damage. Exposed animals had fewer white blood cells and reduced capacity to generate new ones.
    • Around prosthetic joints, plastic wear particles from implants provoked inflammation and local bone loss, changes that can lead to implant loosening.

    Once inside the body, microplastics can travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system and accumulate in the skeleton. There, they may interfere with cellular processes essential to bone health. In particular, microplastics appear to disrupt bone remodeling, the continuous cycle of building and breaking down bone, by altering how bone-forming cells behave, steering them away from regeneration and toward inflammation, dysfunction, and tissue breakdown. The review also highlights a "gut–bone connection": changes in gut microbes caused by microplastics may disrupt bone marrow stem cells by altering key growth signals that help regulate bone formation. Together, these processes could weaken bone density, accelerate age-related bone loss, and contribute to conditions such as osteoporosis, slower fracture healing, or poor integration of bone implants, especially in individuals with existing skeletal or metabolic vulnerabilities.

    While this research paints a concerning picture, the authors caution that most data come from lab and animal studies using higher doses than people are likely exposed to. Human data remain scarce, and scientists still do not know whether the plastic levels already found in human bones are high enough to cause harm. Learn how to reduce your microplastic exposure in episode #95.

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  • Microplastic-derived compounds form unstable heavy-metal complexes, making them highly reactive and prone to breaking down into harmful molecules. www.sciencedirect.com
    Environment Pollution Microplastics

    Pollution from microplastics and heavy metals has increased markedly in aquatic ecosystems in recent years, especially in industrial wastewater and municipal sewage, where these contaminants often coexist at high levels. As plastics break down into microplastics, they release organic compounds that behave differently from natural materials, especially when interacting with heavy metals. A recent study found that microplastic-derived organic matter, which makes up about 10% of surface ocean material in some regions, reacts with heavy metals in ways that could worsen environmental contamination.

    Researchers compared natural organic matter from soil and water with organic matter released by degraded plastics like polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride. They analyzed how these substances interact with cadmium, chromium, copper, and lead to understand differences in their chemical behavior and transformations.

    They found that natural organic matter forms stable bonds with metals, whereas microplastic-derived compounds form unstable complexes. These complexes are highly reactive, especially with chromium, which explicitly targets compounds in microplastic-derived matter, causing it to break down into smaller, hazardous molecules like benzene and phenol. Notably, microplastic-derived compounds had almost 30% more condensed aromatics, a type of chemical structure that makes them more vulnerable to breaking down when exposed to oxygen.

    These findings suggest that plastic pollution worsens heavy metal contamination not only by adding pollutants but by changing how metal-organic complexes behave and move in the environment. Learn more about microplastics in our overview article.

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  • The average person inhales up to 68,000 microplastic particles daily, with higher concentrations in car cabins than homes. journals.plos.org
    Pollution Microplastics Environment

    Airborne microplastics are pervasive indoor contaminants that may pose considerable risks to respiratory health. Although previous studies have primarily focused on large microplastic particles, smaller particles capable of penetrating deep into the respiratory system are now under scrutiny. A recent study found that adults may inhale up to 68,000 microplastic particles per day in the 1 to 10 micrometer range—100 times more than prior estimates based on larger particle sizes.

    Researchers used spectroscopy to identify and quantify airborne suspended microplastics in homes and car cabin environments. This method allowed them to detect microplastic particles within the 1 to 10 micrometer size range, small enough to reach the lower lungs.

    They found that indoor microplastic concentrations were substantially higher in car cabins, with a median of 2,238 particles per cubic meter, compared to 528 particles per cubic meter in homes. Across both environments, 94% of particles measured fell within the 1 to 10 micrometer range. Most particles were irregular fragments, with polyethylene dominating in residential spaces and polyamide in car interiors. The data showed that smaller microplastic particles were far more common, and their numbers increased sharply as size decreased.

    These findings suggest that inhalation exposure to indoor microplastics—particularly within the 1 to 10 micrometer range—has been grossly underestimated. Learn ways to limit your microplastic exposure in this clip featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick.

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  • Coastal areas with high marine microplastic pollution exhibit increased rates of type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and stroke, indicating a potential link between plastic pollution and cardiometabolic health. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
    Inflammation Pollution Diabetes Stroke Cardiovascular Microplastics

    Plastic pollution isn’t just an environmental issue—it may also pose hidden risks to human health. Growing evidence suggests that tiny plastic fragments, known as microplastics and nanoplastics, could contribute to chronic diseases by causing inflammation and oxidative stress. A recent study found that people living in coastal U.S. counties with the highest levels of marine microplastics were 18% more likely to have type 2 diabetes, 7% more likely to have coronary artery disease, and 9% more likely to have a stroke than those in counties with low levels.

    To investigate whether marine microplastics might affect human health on a population level, researchers analyzed ocean surface water samples collected within 200 nautical miles of the U.S. coastline. Based on the average concentration of microplastics in adjacent waters, they classified coastal counties as low, medium, high, or very high. Then, they assessed the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and stroke in each group, adjusting for differences in age, sex, healthcare access, and socioeconomic factors.

    Counties with very high levels of marine microplastics had notably higher rates of all three cardiometabolic diseases than counties with low levels. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 18% higher, coronary artery disease was 7% higher, and stroke was 9% higher, even after accounting for other risk factors. These patterns were strongest in counties along the Gulf of Mexico, where microplastic levels and disease rates were generally higher than those along the Atlantic or Pacific coasts.

    These findings suggest a possible link between environmental plastic pollution and cardiometabolic health. Microplastics and nanoplastics are pervasive in the environment. Learn how to reduce your exposure in Aliquot #122: How to Limit Microplastic Exposure.

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  • Polystyrene nanoplastics accumulate in body tissues and trigger gut health disruption by altering gut microbial populations, impairing mucus production, and interfering with proteins maintaining the gut barrier. www.nature.com
    Gut Pollution Microplastics

    Nanoplastics are emerging as a new concern in environmental and human health due to their capacity to interact with biological systems at the cellular level. Their small size allows them to penetrate tissues and potentially disrupt key physiological processes, particularly in the gut. A recent study in mice found that polystyrene nanoplastics can disrupt gut bacteria, weaken the intestinal barrier, and trigger molecular changes that may have far-reaching effects on health.

    Researchers exposed mice to oral doses of polystyrene nanoplastics four times a week for 12 weeks and used fluorescent labels to track where the particles went. Then, they examined the animals' gut tissue, analyzed changes in their gut microbiota, and evaluated changes in extracellular vesicles—tiny membrane-bound structures released by gut cells and bacteria that facilitate intercellular communication.

    The researchers found that nanoplastics accumulated in the gut, liver, and other tissues for up to 48 hours. Mice exposed to nanoplastics gained more weight than unexposed mice—about 28% more—despite no differences in liver or fat tissue mass. Nanoplastic exposure altered gut microbial populations, disrupted mucus production, and interfered with proteins maintaining the gut barrier.

    These findings suggest that nanoplastics weaken the gut’s defenses by altering the microbiome and changing how gut cells communicate through extracellular vesicles. Over time, this disruption could increase vulnerability to disease, even without obvious inflammation or liver damage. Learn more about micro- and nanoplastics in our overview article.

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  • Microplastics found in ovarian follicular fluid of nearly 80% of women undergoing fertility treatment, potentially disrupting hormone regulation, impairing egg maturation, and altering embryo development. www.sciencedirect.com
    Pregnancy Pollution Reproductive Health Microplastics

    Plastic contamination has become pervasive, with microplastics—microscopic plastic particles—now detected in most human tissues. A recent study found microplastics in the follicular fluid of women undergoing fertility treatment, raising new concerns about how these contaminants might affect human reproduction.

    Researchers collected follicular fluid samples from 18 women receiving assisted reproductive treatment. To detect and characterize plastic particles smaller than 10 micrometers, they used scanning electron microscopy paired with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy—an advanced technique that identifies materials based on their composition.

    They found microplastics in nearly 80% of the samples (14 out of 18), with an average concentration of more than 2,000 particles per milliliter. On average, particles measured about 4.5 micrometers in diameter. They did not identify an association between microplastic concentration, fertilization, miscarriages, and live birth. However, higher microplastic concentrations were associated with higher levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, a key marker of ovarian function.

    These findings indicate that microplastics accumulate in human ovarian follicles. The investigators proposed that the lack of association between microplastics and aspects of reproductive health may have been due to the small study size (only 18 women), especially in light of animal evidence indicating that microplastics disrupt hormone regulation, impair egg maturation, and alter embryo development. Learn more about the effects of microplastics on the reproductive system in this episode featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick.

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  • Microplastics in wastewater may drive a 171-fold increase in antibiotic resistance in E. coli. journals.asm.org
    Antibiotics Pollution Microplastics

    Microplastics may be more than environmental pollutants—they could contribute to the rise of drug-resistant bacteria. These tiny plastic fragments persist in wastewater, providing surfaces where bacteria congregate, form biofilms, and exchange genetic material that enhances antibiotic resistance. A recent study found that Escherichia coli cultured on microplastics were 171 times more resistant to the antibiotic ciprofloxacin than those grown on glass.

    Researchers exposed E. coli to different types of microplastics—polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene—at varying concentrations and sizes. They measured the bacteria’s survival rates and assessed whether they developed resistance to four common antibiotics: ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and streptomycin. They also compared bacterial behavior on microplastics versus glass to determine how different surfaces influenced biofilm formation.

    Bacteria attached to microplastics formed stronger biofilms and exhibited higher antibiotic resistance than those grown on glass. The water-repellant nature of the plastics, combined with their ability to attract and retain other substances, likely contributed to this effect. Bacteria grown in the presence of antibiotics and microplastics showed considerably greater resistance, with those exposed to ciprofloxacin displaying up to 171 times greater resistance and other antibiotics showing increases of up to 75 times.

    These findings suggest that microplastics serve as breeding grounds for antibiotic resistance, potentially increasing the risk of persistent infections in environmental and healthcare settings. Addressing microplastic pollution may be crucial in slowing the spread of drug-resistant bacteria. Learn how to limit your exposure to microplastics in this episode featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick.

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  • Microplastics in the bloodstream may obstruct tiny blood vessels in the brain, impairing blood flow and causing neurological disorders, according to a recent study in mice. www.science.org
    Brain Pollution Neurodegeneration Microplastics

    Microplastics are everywhere in the environment—from the water we drink to the air we breathe. Scientists have found these tiny plastic particles in human blood, organs, and even the brain, raising concerns about their potential health effects. A recent study in mice found that microplastics in the bloodstream can obstruct tiny blood vessels in the brain, impairing blood flow and driving neurological disorders.

    Researchers injected fluorescently labeled microplastics into mice and observed how the particles traveled through brain capillaries. In particular, they focused on how immune cells interacted with microplastics and whether they contributed to vascular blockages.

    They found that immune cells engulfed microplastics, driving unintended consequences. These microplastic-laden cells clogged capillaries in the brain, reducing blood flow and triggering neurological impairments in the mice. The blockages resembled tiny blood clots, highlighting a previously unknown way microplastics could harm brain function.

    These findings suggest that microplastics contribute to brain dysfunction by indirectly disrupting blood flow rather than directly penetrating brain tissue. Learn more about microplastics and brain health in this episode featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick.

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  • Microplastic particles inhaled by pregnant rats can accumulate in the tissues of their offspring, revealing a potential pathway for generational plastic contamination. www.sciencedirect.com
    Pregnancy Development Pollution Microplastics

    Airborne microplastic particles may be doing more than just floating in the air—they could be making their way into future generations. A recent study found that micro- and nanoplastic particles can accumulate in the tissues of offspring after mothers inhale them during pregnancy.

    Researchers assigned pregnant rats to one of two groups. They exposed one group to airborne polyamide-12 micro- and nanoplastics for about four hours on ten days during pregnancy—roughly equivalent to 120 minutes per day during a human pregnancy—while the other group received no exposure and served as a control group. Polyamide-12 is used in clothing, other textiles, kitchen items, carpets, and automotive products. After the pups were born, the researchers collected tissue samples from the two-week-old pups' lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, and brain to see if the particles persisted.

    They found that the micro- and nanoplastic particles were present in the tissues of all the pups whose mothers had inhaled them but found no particles in the control group. These findings confirm that the particles can migrate from the respiratory system, pass through the placenta, and remain in the tissues of the young even after birth.

    These findings suggest that exposure to micro- and nanoplastics during pregnancy can promote their accumulation in offspring, raising concerns about their long-term effects on health. Microplastic particles are smaller than 5 millimeters, while nanoplastics are even tinier—less than 1 micrometer in size. These particles often form when larger plastic items break down due to physical wear, heat, or exposure to sunlight. Micro- and nanoplastic particles are ubiquitous environmental pollutants found in air, water, soil, and food. Learn more about microplastics in our overview article.

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  • Local water sources likely contribute a shocking 2,400 microplastic particles to a typical serving of soda. www.sciencedirect.com
    Diet Pollution Microplastics

    If drinking a nice, cold soda sounds appealing, you’re not alone. Roughly half of all adults and nearly two-thirds of kids in the US consume at least one soft drink daily—mostly sodas. These drinks typically contain considerable amounts of sugar, raising concerns about their effects on dental and metabolic health. However, a recent study has uncovered a more alarming issue: Microplastic contamination is pervasive in these popular beverages.

    Researchers analyzed the microplastic content in a popular soda brand purchased in various US locations: Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, DC. The sodas were in aluminum, glass, or plastic containers.

    They found that the average concentration of microplastic particles in 100 milliliters of soda was 166, with some samples reaching a staggering 482 particles—meaning that a typical 16.9-ounce (~500-milliliter) bottle of soda could contain more than 2,400 microplastic particles. Interestingly, the sodas in glass containers had the highest concentrations of particles. The study investigators speculated that the primary contributors to the sodas' microplastic contamination were local water sources (near the packaging plants).

    These findings suggest that microplastic contamination in sodas is ubiquitous and adds to the growing body of evidence about microplastics in food and beverages. Learn more about microplastics in our overview article.

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  • Microplastics absorbed in the gut may promote cancer cell migration and metastasis. www.sciencedirect.com
    Cancer Gut Pollution Microplastics

    Plastic pollution is a growing environmental concern, with tiny plastic particles infiltrating various ecosystems, including the human body. The gut is crucial in this process, serving as the main gateway for microplastics and nanoplastics to enter the body. A recent study found that human colorectal cancer cells can absorb microplastic particles, raising concerns about their potential effects on health.

    Researchers exposed four human colorectal cancer cell lines to polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics of various sizes (0.25, 1, and 10 micrometers) and concentrations. They tracked the particles' uptake into cells and monitored their behavior during cell division.

    They found that all the cancer cells absorbed micro- and nanoplastics, with the highest uptake observed in HCT116 cells—a type of cells commonly used to study various aspects of tumor biology. Notably, the cells didn’t eliminate the absorbed particles. Instead, they passed them on during cell division, sharing them between the original and new cells. Even short-term exposure to the smallest particles (0.25 micrometers) increased the cells' movement, which could facilitate metastasis.

    These findings suggest that micro- and nanoplastics accumulate in cells and pass into progeny cells during cell division. Once inside the cells, they promote cell migration, potentially enhancing the spread of cancer. Some harmful effects of microplastics may be due to compounds commonly used in plastic manufacturing, such as bisphenol A, phthalates, and heavy metals. Learn more about microplastics in our overview article.

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  • Polystyrene nanoplastic exposure alters breast milk proteins, potentially impairing neurodevelopment in breastfed infants. www.utep.edu
    Nutrition Development Vitamin A Breast Milk Microplastics

    Beta-lactoglobulin is a protein in breast milk. It binds to retinol, a form of vitamin A that plays a crucial role in neurodevelopment, facilitating its transport. A recent study found that nanoplastic exposure induces structural changes in beta-lactoglobulin, impairing retinol binding and transport.

    Researchers conducted a multi-part study to investigate the effect of polystyrene nanoparticles on beta-lactoglobulin. First, they measured changes in the protein’s structure and its ability to bind retinol. Then, they examined polystyrene’s effects on lysozyme, an antibacterial protein found in breast milk. Finally, they assessed the effects of polystyrene exposure in worms.

    They found that polystyrene nanoparticles induced dose-dependent structural changes in beta-lactoglobulin, impairing its ability to bind to retinol. They identified similar structural abnormalities in lysozyme, driving the formation of amyloid fibrils (abnormal protein clumps). In worms, polystyrene impaired movement, similar to the effects of the neurotoxin paraquat.

    These findings suggest that polystyrene nanoparticles alter breast milk protein structures and functions, potentially driving nutritional deficiencies and neurological damage.

    Coming soon: a comprehensive overview article on microplastics.

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  • Melamine cleaning sponges, known as "magic erasers," may contribute up to 4.9 trillion microplastic particles to aquatic environments globally, due to breakdown during use. www.eurekalert.org
    Pollution Environment Microplastics

    Melamine cleaning sponges are composed of hard, plastic strands assembled into a soft, lightweight foam. Commonly known as “magic erasers,” they are immensely popular due to their highly abrasive qualities. A recent study found that the global microplastic burden from melamine cleaning sponges may exceed 4.9 trillion particles, based on current sales.

    Researchers assessed microplastic release from melamine cleaning sponges under different scrubbing conditions, focusing on the shape, makeup, and number of fibers created. Then they quantified annual accumulation based on typical melamine sponge sales from two popular online retailers.

    They found that melamine sponges released straight and branched microplastic fibers made of poly(melamine-formaldehyde) polymer, ranging from 10 to 405 micrometers long. These fibers formed as the sponge’s structure broke down due to friction; consequently, the rougher the surface and denser the sponge, the more fibers produced. They estimated that sponge wear could release up to 6.5 million fibers per gram of sponge, potentially contributing up to 4.9 trillion fibers to aquatic environments globally.

    These findings suggest that melamine cleaning sponges are major contributors to the global microplastic burden. Human exposure to microplastics occurs through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Evidence indicates that these particles accumulate in various body fluids and tissues and may increase the risk for metabolic dysfunction, neurotoxicity, and some cancers.

    Coming soon: A comprehensive overview article about microplastics and their putative effects on human health.

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  • People with inflammatory bowel disease have 49 percent more microplastics in their feces than healthy people, suggesting a potential link between microplastics and chronic gut inflammation. pubs.acs.org
    Gut Inflammation Pollution Intestinal Permeability Microplastics

    Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for chronic inflammatory conditions that affect the gut, primarily Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. A growing body of evidence suggests that microplastics – tiny plastic particles ranging between 5 millimeters and 100 nanometers – are pro-inflammatory, potentially contributing to chronic disease. A recent study found that people with inflammatory bowel disease had roughly 49 percent more microplastics in their feces than healthy people.

    Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in the feces of 102 participants. Half of the participants had IBD, and the other half were healthy. Participants completed questionnaires about their plastic usage and exposure.

    The researchers found that the fecal concentration of microplastic particles in the feces of participants with inflammatory bowel diseases averaged 41.8 particles per gram of dry matter. In comparison, healthy participants' concentrations averaged 28.0 particles per gram. The various particles were in sheets, fibers, fragments, and pellets; most were smaller than 300 micrometers. Participants with higher fecal concentrations tended to have more severe IBD. The primary sources of microplastic exposure were plastic packaging (for food and water) and dust.

    These findings suggest that microplastic exposure is linked to the disease process of IBD or that IBD might exacerbate microplastic retention in the body. They also add to the growing evidence suggesting that microplastics influence human health. Scientists have found microplastics throughout the human body, including the sputum, lungs, heart, liver, blood, endometrium, testis, amniotic fluid, and placenta00153-1/fulltext).

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  • Microplastics were identified in 80 percent of surgically removed blood clots, potentially elevating the risk and severity of heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory issues. www.thelancet.com
    Pollution Environment Cardiovascular Microplastics

    Blood clots that form in the heart, arteries, and veins – called thrombi – are a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and respiratory problems. Evidence suggests that environmental factors contribute to thrombi formation. A recent study identified microplastics in 80 percent of surgically removed thrombi.

    Researchers surgically removed thrombi from patients scheduled for arterial or venous thrombectomy in the brain, heart, or legs using plastic-free surgical implements and storage techniques. Using mass spectrometry, they assessed the thrombi for microplastic particle content and determined the particles' sizes, shapes, and numbers.

    They found that 80 percent of the thrombi contained microplastics, including polyamide 66, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene. Higher concentrations of microplastics were associated with greater disease severity.

    This study was small, but its findings suggest microplastics are present in human thrombi and further increase disease risk. Microplastics are pervasive environmental contaminants present in land, water, and air. They have also been detected throughout the human body, including the sputum, lungs, heart, liver, blood, endometrium, testis, amniotic fluid, and placenta. Recent research found that microplastics in human arterial plaques increase the risk for cardiovascular disease-related events nearly fivefold.

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  • Microplastic accumulation in arterial plaques increases the risk for cardiovascular disease-related events nearly fivefold. www.nbcnews.com
    Heart Disease Inflammation Bisphenol A Pollution Oxidative Stress Cardiovascular Microplastics

    Tiny plastic particles, often called microplastics – ranging between 5 millimeters and 100 nanometers – are ubiquitous environmental pollutants. Scientists have identified microplastics in food (especially seafood), soil, drinking water, fresh- and saltwater bodies, and air. A recent study found that microplastics accumulate in human arterial plaques, increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease-related events, such as heart attack or stroke, nearly fivefold.

    The study involved 257 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, a procedure in which a surgeon removes plaques from the heart’s arteries. Researchers analyzed the plaque for the presence of microplastics, measured the patients' inflammatory biomarkers, and tracked their health for about three years.

    They found that more than half of the patients (58.4 percent) had microplastics in their arterial plaques, appearing as jagged-edged foreign particles. Those with microplastics in their plaques were 4.53 times more likely to experience a cardiovascular disease-related event during the three-year follow-up than those without microplastics. They were also more likely to be male, younger, and have diabetes, cardiovascular disease, abnormal blood lipids, and higher inflammatory markers.

    These findings suggest that microplastics, a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, accumulate in arterial plaques, markedly increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease-related events. Evidence indicates that microplastic exposure is associated with many other adverse health outcomes. For example, a comprehensive review of the effects of microplastics revealed that microplastics induce oxidative stress and increase the risk for metabolic dysfunction, neurotoxicity, and some cancers. Some of these effects may be due to compounds commonly associated with plastic manufacturing, such as bisphenol A, or BPA, phthalates, and heavy metals that are present in and on microplastics.

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  • Exposure to plastic particles may interfere with sex hormones and promote inflammation. medicalxpress.com
    Hormones Inflammation Environment Microplastics

    Exposure to plastic particles alters sex hormones and promotes inflammation in rats, a new study shows. Estrogen levels in female rats that inhaled tiny particles of polyamide – commonly known as nylon – decreased and inflammatory cytokines increased.

    Researchers exposed female rats in heat to aerosolized polyamide particles for an average of 4.5 hours. Then they assessed the animals' overall health and measured their cytokine and reproductive hormone levels. They found that after a single exposure to the polyamide particles, the animals' blood pressure increased, estradiol (a form of estrogen) decreased, and pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 increased.

    Small plastic particles, often referred to as microplastics (ranging between 5 millimeters and 100 nanometers) or nanoplastics (less than 100 nanometers), are ubiquitous environmental pollutants. They have been identified in food (especially seafood), soil, drinking water, fresh- and saltwater bodies, and air.

    Exposure to microplastics is associated with a wide range of negative health outcomes in humans. For example, a comprehensive review of the effects of microplastics revealed that the pollutants induce oxidative stress and increase the risk for metabolic dysfunction, neurotoxicity, and some cancers. Some of these effects may be due to compounds commonly associated with plastic manufacturing, such as bisphenol A, or BPA, phthalates, and heavy metals, that are present in and on microplastics.

    This study demonstrates that even brief exposure to plastic particles is sufficient to alter sex hormones and promote inflammation in female rats.

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  • Microplastics found deep in lungs of living people for first time www.theguardian.com
    Pollution Microplastics

    Microplastics found in human lungs.

    Microplastics are small pieces of plastic or other polymer-based materials, typically less than five millimeters (about one-quarter inch) in size. They are ubiquitous environmental pollutants, having been identified in food (especially seafood), soil, drinking water, fresh- and saltwater bodies, and air. A recent study has identified microplastics in human lungs.

    Exposure to microplastics has been associated with a wide range of negative health outcomes in humans. For example, a comprehensive review of the effects of microplastics revealed that the pollutants induce oxidative stress and increase the risk for metabolic dysfunction, neurotoxicity, and some cancers. Some of these effects may be due to compounds commonly associated with plastic manufacturing, such as bisphenol A, or BPA, phthalates, and heavy metals, that are present in and on microplastics.

    The investigators collected lung tissue samples from the upper, middle, or lower lobe of 13 patients (average age, 63 years) undergoing scheduled lung surgery. They soaked the tissue samples in hydrogen peroxide to break down the tissue while maintaining the integrity of non-human materials. Then they characterized the materials using spectroscopy, a research tool that uses light scatter to measure concentration.

    They identified a total of 39 microplastic fibers, fragments, or films in 11 of the 13 samples, an average of three per sample, ranging up to eight per sample and equating to approximately 0.69 microplastics per gram of tissue. They identified 12 different polymer types, the most abundant of which were polypropylene (23 percent) and polyethylene terephthalate (18 percent), commonly known as PET. Polypropylene is used in a wide range of manufacturing applications, including food containers and plastic pipes. PET is commonly used in water and soft drink bottles.

    These findings demonstrate that inhaled microplastics may be present in human lungs. They also underscore the need for further investigation into the health effects of microplastic exposure.

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