Microplastics Found in Human Heart Tissues

Plastics are everywhere. They’re on beaches, in the oceans, in the air, and in the food we eat. Scientists have even found microplastics throughout the human body. There are a variety of ways microplastics can enter the body. They can be inhaled, swallowed, or introduced through other body cavities. These tiny plastic particles, less than five millimeters wide, have been found in humans’ digestive tracts, blood, and even brains. Chillingly, a new study has also found microplastics in human hearts. 

In a study published by the American Chemical Society, a group of researchers found initial evidence that microplastics are present in human heart tissue. The study was carried out by scientists at China’s Beijing Anzhen Hospital. The team looked at tissue from the hearts of fifteen patients. The tissue was collected when the patients underwent heart surgery. In addition to looking for microplastics in the heart tissue, the team of researchers also looked at blood samples from half of the patients. 

Although the study was small, the results were alarming. The researchers found that the heart tissue contained significant amounts of plastic pieces. Across five different types of heart tissue, there were nine types of plastics found. While there is evidence to suggest that some of the plastic pieces may have been introduced during the heat surgeries, some plastic pieces were from types of plastic the patients would not have been exposed to during the procedures. Plastic particles were also found in all of the blood samples.

The study’s results further show the negative effects that microplastics have on human health. Additionally, both microplastics and smaller plastic particles called nano plastics are concerning as they can breach the blood-brain barrier. Plastics have already been found to disrupt important hormones, disrupt gut health, and cause other adverse health effects. Made primarily from fossil fuels, plastic may release toxins as it breaks down inside the human body. While more studies are needed to fully understand the effects microplastics may have on cardiovascular health, scientists worry that these preliminary findings show that microplastics can accumulate and remain in heart tissue.

Plastics are dangerous to human health and the health of our planet. Sign this petition to Tell Congress and the EPA to Protect Us Against Microplastics!

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