A new pilot study has revealed a disturbing finding: plastic fragments have been discovered in the human heart. Scientists have previously found microplastics in the lungs, blood, and other body tissues, but until now there has been limited evidence of plastic in the heart or other organs that are closed off from the external environment. The researchers found nine types of microplastic and tens to thousands of plastic pieces in tissues from most parts of the heart. Why are plastic fragments in our hearts a health concern? A growing body of research indicates that some microplastics contain known toxic chemicals linked to a variety of serious health outcomes. Unfortunately, due to materials in and around the medical environment, getting surgery to repair the heart exposes patients to even more nano/microplastics.
Journal reference: Yang, Y., et al. Detection of Various Microplastics in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery, Environment, Science & Technology, 2023, 57, 30, 10911–10918.
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