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Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Microscopic plastic levels far higher in those who suffer strokes, study finds
ST. PAUL, Minn., April 22 (UPI) -- Patients who suffered strokes, mini-strokes or temporary blindness had levels of "nanoplastic" particles in their necks far higher than in healthy people, an abstract of a small-scale study released Tuesday shows. The abstract, released by the American Heart Association at the start of a scientific conference this week in Baltimore, is adding to a growing list of "troubling" evidence linking vascular disease to nanoplastics, the medical group says. Nanoplastic fragments are even smaller than "microplastics" and can be absorbed into the body, penetrating biological barriers as they accumulate. While microplastics are loosely defined as particles smaller than 5 millimeters in diameter, nanoplastics are far smaller -- typically thought of as less than 1 micrometer, or 1,000 nanometers. These tiny fragments of plastic come from products like water bottles, food packaging and synthetic fabrics, and have been found concentrated in major organs, including the lungs, heart, liver and even the placenta, prompting scientists to warn that evidence is mounting they pose a risk to cardiovascular health. In March 2024, an Italian study determined that patients with carotid artery plaque in which "microplastics and nanoplastics," or MNPs, were detected had a higher risk of a myocardial infarction, stroke or death from any cause at 34 months of follow-up than those in whom the fragments were not detected. Meanwhile, University of New Mexico Health Sciences researchers in February revealed they had detected microplastics in human brains at much higher concentrations than in other organs. Even more alarmingly, the plastic accumulation appears to be growing over time, increasing 50% over just eight years. In the current study of fewer than 50 participants, University of New Mexico researchers examined carotid artery samples taken from three groups of patients: those who had artery-clogging plaque in the neck and experienced stroke, mini-stroke or temporary loss of vision; those who had plaque but did not suffer such symptoms; and those who had healthy carotids with no plaque. They found that the group that suffered strokes had MNP concentration levels 51 times higher than those who had no plaque build-ups, while those who had plaque but didn't suffer strokes had levels 16 times higher than those with no plaque. The study has yet to be peer-reviewed or published in a medical journal, but the results nonetheless provide a "very interesting and troubling" look into the possible relationship between MNPs and vascular disease, said Dr. Karen Furie, volunteer vice chair of the hear association's Stroke Brain Health Science Subcommittee. Furie also is a professor of neurology at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University in Rhode Island. "To date, we have not considered exposure to plastic micronanoparticles a modifiable risk factor for stroke," Furie said in an AHA-issued statement, adding that although research efforts are still a very early stage, the findings point to nanoparticles as "a novel potential target for stroke prevention." The study's lead author told UPI that while it remains unknown if nanoplastics can actually cause stroke or other illness and that the small study has limitations, the results showing such a sharp, sizable swing in plastics levels between those who suffered strokes and those who didn't raises eyebrows. Dr. Ross Clark, a vascular surgeon and researcher at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, said his findings largely mirror the results of last year's Italian study, but "with some additional layers of nuance." "It's pretty compelling to see a 16-fold greater presence of nanoplastics in asymptomatic carotid plaques compared to a normal, healthy artery, and a 51-fold increase in those who are having symptoms," he said. "So what is it about those symptoms and the plastics? Do they have anything to do with them directly? "The answer is it's too early to tell. But it's interesting that those two groups are really different." Clark said he suspects the interaction between microplastics and the cardiovascular system is complex and will not be easily definable by obvious measures such as looking at inflammation. "We actually didn't find any correlation between the amount of plastics in the plaque and biomarkers of inflammation," he said. "So it's not just as easy as saying, 'Having microplastics in these plaques causes inflammation.' It's not that simple. There's definitely something more nuanced going on here, which is going to take quite some time to unravel." Dr. Isaac George, surgical director of the Heart Valve Center at New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, noted last year it's important to remember that no direct, causal relationship has yet been found between microplastics and heart disease. "This doesn't show that having particles in your body forms atheromas [artery plaque], but it is a very strong association, and I think it's just more evidence that plastic has invaded our whole lifestyle," he said in a video posted after the Italian study was released. "I think the moral of the story is we really need to be careful and be aware of the exposure we have to plastics and try to reduce it as much as possible." Dr. Gregory Katz, a clinical cardiologist at NYU Langone Health and an assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, agreed the study results are "concerning, just like basically all of the research on micro and nanoplastics and human health outcomes has been." But, he added, it remains difficult to answer the biggest questions about the potential dangers of nanoplastics exposure. "It's impossible with a study like this to know whether it's plastics driving bad health outcomes or whether people who are sicker tend to accumulate more plastic and that their underlying condition drives those outcomes," he told UPI. "Second, this doesn't tell us anything about exposure -- where is the plastic coming from? Is it related to our volitional choices or is related to ambient exposure as a consequence of being alive in the year 2025? "This type of limitation on exposure is a really big deal when you think about how we should or should not change our behaviors." The next steps in quantifying the effects of nanoplastics on the heart depend on how quickly new methods can be developed to study them -- the field so new that there are currently very few protocols. For example, it's challenging to measure the particles, especially those made of polyethylene, which produces a confusingly similar signature to certain kinds of body fat in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. "Even to this day, we're still refining those techniques," Clark said. Katz said the next step in establishing the science "isn't so much proving causation that micro and nanoplastics cause human disease -- although we certainly haven't proven it. It's helping to understand the exposures that drive accumulation of these substance in our bodies because that's where we can take action."
Gulf News
18-04-2025
- Health
- Gulf News
Microplastics detected in human brain tissue: Could they be linked to dementia?
A spoonful of microplastic in your brain? Shocking new study reveals what's inside us Last updated: Zainab Husain, Features Writer Dubai: Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimetres in size, have already been discovered in human breast milk, Antarctic sea ice, the Mariana Trench (the world's deepest ocean trench), and drinking water. Now, these ever-present particles have made their way into the human brain, according to new research published in Nature Medicine in February. Researchers from the University of New Mexico Health Sciences found that the human brain may contain up to a disposable spoon's worth of these tiny plastic shards. What alarmed scientists and the media alike was the study's finding that individuals with dementia had significantly more microplastics in their brains than those without the condition. Alarming levels in brain tissue The study examined brain, liver, and kidney tissue samples from 28 people who died in 2016 and 24 who died in 2024, all in New Mexico. Among all organs studied, microplastic concentrations were highest in brain tissue and were particularly elevated in the 2024 samples compared to those from 2016. Professor Matthew Campen, a pharmaceutical sciences expert at the University of New Mexico, told The New York Times that the plastics detected were far smaller than previously recorded. This may help explain how they bypass the body's natural defences to infiltrate critical organs. Should we be worried? While the findings suggest a potential link between microplastics and cognitive decline, scientists, including Dr Campen have emphasised that the research is still in its early stages. The study does not definitively conclude that microplastics cause dementia. Dr Qamar Bashir Mirza, a specialist in neurology at Aster Cedars Hospital and Clinic in Jebel Ali, echoed this caution in a statement to Gulf News, noting that the discovery of microplastics in brain tissue is a 'complex issue' and that the 'jury is still out.' Ongoing research aims to better understand the neurological implications. Although the cause-and-effect relationship is not yet clear, that does not mean we should be complacent and continue our lives without making changes to reduce our exposure to microplastics, particularly as polyethene, the most commonly found plastic in the study, accounted for 75 per cent of the total. Widely used in plastic bags and food and drink packaging (which the UAE is currently phasing out), these particles were mostly detected in the brain as 'nanoplastic' shards. Microplastics and the brain: A potential link to cognitive issues 'It seems microplastics in the brain disrupt cellular processes. Hypothetically, their presence could affect the integrity of neural networks, but conclusive evidence is awaited,' said Dr Mirza. He added that the size, shape, and chemical composition of microplastics likely play a role in determining their biological effects. Microplastics have previously been detected throughout the human body including in the blood, saliva, liver, kidneys, lungs, and placenta. These particles can cause inflammation and disrupt hormones, and it is plausible they trigger similar responses in brain tissue. 'Inflammation is a key factor in many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. However, it is premature to conclude that microplastics directly increase the risk of such conditions. It seems from the latest findings that plastics can breach the blood-brain barrier, persist in neural tissue, and interact with brain cells,' he explained. Although further research is needed to establish a link between microplastics and cognitive decline, Dr Mirza emphasised that one key takeaway from these findings is the urgent need for continued vigilance and the importance of reducing microplastic exposure through mindful lifestyle choices. How microplastics enter our bodies and homes Given that microplastics are virtually everywhere, avoiding them entirely is nearly impossible. To reduce exposure, it's important to understand how they enter our environments and, ultimately, our plates, homes, and bodies. 'Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments, often invisible to the naked eye, and less than 5 millimetres in diameter. They are created when everyday items like tyres and plastic bags, break down,' said Dima Maroun, a UAE-based environmental scientist and Chief Sustainability Officer, as well as co-founder of Thriving Solutions, with over 20 years of experience in the environmental and sustainability field, in an interview with Gulf News. Microplastics infiltrate homes and bodies through a variety of common household and personal products. 'Primary microplastics are intentionally manufactured to be small, such as microbeads in personal care products and pre-production plastic pellets known as nurdles,' Maroun said. Secondary microplastics, on the other hand, come from the breakdown of larger plastic items. 'This includes bottles, toys, bags, and packaging. Exposure to elements like wind, sunlight, and water causes these items to break down, eventually turning into microplastics,' she added. Another significant route of microplastic exposure is through bioaccumulation in ecosystems. Maroun compared this to how pesticides accumulate in animal fat tissue over time. When smaller animals ingest toxins and are then eaten by predators, the concentration of these toxins increases as they move up the food chain. 'This same process applies to microplastics in marine ecosystems, posing a health risk not only to sea life but also to humans who consume seafood as part of their diet,' she noted. Is it possible to avoid microplastics in my daily life? Rather than asking how to avoid microplastics altogether, a more practical question is how to reduce your exposure at home and in your everyday routine. With microplastics now found in nearly every part of the human body and in even the most remote corners of the planet small, conscious changes can help reduce interaction. Here are a few pointers on how you can create an 'anti-microplastic' environment in your home, according to Maroun: Choose natural cleaning materials like cotton cloths or cellulose sponges instead of synthetic microfibre ones. Support brands that use sustainable materials in their products. Air-dry clothes rather than using a tumble dryer, to minimise synthetic fibre shedding. Install a washing machine filter to capture microplastics before they reach the water system. Use air purifiers with HEPA filters in rooms with synthetic textiles. Clean with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. Reduce the use of plastic packaging when shopping for food. Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers. Wash fresh produce thoroughly to remove surface microplastics. Maroun emphasised that meaningful, long-term impact requires collective action. This includes investment in improved waste management infrastructure to ensure proper collection, recycling, and disposal of plastic waste, preventing it from leaking into the natural environment. Equally important is the enforcement of policies banning single-use plastics, a step already taken in Dubai and across the UAE. Holding corporations accountable and encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable practices throughout their supply chains is also critical. Public awareness campaigns can play a key role by educating people on the risks and health impacts of microplastics, driving behavioural change across communities. 'Investment in scientific research is vital to understand the long-term environmental and health consequences of microplastics,' Maroun concluded. 'Science-based policy and technological innovation will be key to tackling this growing issue.'
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What are microplastics? Are they dangerous?
(NewsNation) — Microplastics — or extremely small particles of plastic found pretty much everywhere — have popped up in environments and creatures all over the planet. Recent studies linking the particles to negative health effects have left many worried about how to avoid the flecks of pollution altogether. Microplastics are tiny plastic pieces less than five millimeters long, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA warns the slivers of plastic have become 'pervasive in natural and built environments' and are found in every ecosystem on the planet. Whether you're trekking the Antarctic tundra or traipsing in a vast rainforest, there are small specs of plastic embedded in the environment's water, soil, plants — and the creatures that live there. Yes, even humans. A University of New Mexico Health Sciences study released in February found the level of microplastics in human brains has increased by 50% over the past eight years. Lead researcher and toxicologist Matthew Campen said in a news release that most microplastics are ingested through food, especially meat bought at grocery stores. High levels of microplastics in human brains are increasing: Study The spread of microplastics has something to do with the earth's massive plastic pollution problem. A September 2024 study published in Nature established that the world pumps out 57 million tons of plastic pollution each year, with two-thirds of it coming from the Global South. With that much plastic sitting around, improperly disposing of the material can just spread microplastics —and their even tinier counterparts, nanoplastics — farther across the globe, researchers said. The verdict is out. While it's generally accepted that microplastic build up is likely bad for humans, Nature cautions that more rigorous research is needed to determine the true effects of the particles, as current studies often have small sample sizes and face methodical limitations. Several studies this year have looked at how prevalent microplastics are in our drinking water and in people's tissue, such as hearts, brains and testicles, with doctors and scientists still not quite sure what it means in terms of human health threats. Sisters battle early Alzheimer's, living life to the fullest Some research has linked microplastics to heart disease or Alzheimer's and dementia, including the aforementioned University of New Mexico Health Sciences study. It found that people with dementia had up to 10 times more plastic in their brains: 'These results highlight a critical need to better understand the routes of exposure, uptake and clearance pathways and potential health consequences of plastics in human tissues, particularly in the brain.' Researchers have also found evidence of microplastics in people's bloodstreams. There's no sure-fire way to remove microplastics from the body. Your liver and kidneys likely help excrete some of it through urine and feces, though studies show that microplastics often linger on in bodies. To avoid consuming more, it's best to change your everyday practices through dietary and lifestyle means. Though microplastics are practically unavoidable in the modern day, consciously reducing your plastic use and protein intake could help lessen your chances of contact. That means swapping out plastic Tupperware, water bottles and utensils. If you have to stick with your plastic fare, make sure to avoid microwaving it, said Tracey Woodruff, PhD, a UC San Francisco obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive sciences professor. 'Operation Stork Speed': FDA, HHS target baby formula contamination Woodruff explained to NewsNation that 'heat makes plastic release harmful chemicals like BPA.' She also recommends purchasing organic foods to avoid pesticide exposure and reducing red meat in your diet. The Common Earth suggests buying seafood that is 'sustainably sourced' and opting to eat smaller fish rather than bigger catches — as larger fish tend to accumulate more microplastics. In February, President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating the return to plastic straws — declaring that paper ones 'don't work.' 'Straws are just the beginning,' Matt Seaholm, president and CEO of the Plastics Industry Association, said in a statement following the order. ''Back to Plastic' is a movement we should all get behind.' NewsNation's Ashley N. Soriano and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
