A recent study revealed that microplastics, which are shards of plastic broken down from larger pieces were found inside more than half of fatty deposits in clogged arteries. The research illuminated a strong link between microplastics and human health. Now, researchers in China have taken this investigation a step further, discovering microplastics in blood clots removed from arteries in the heart and brain, as well as deep veins in the lower legs.
Study Overview
The Chinese study, although small with only 30 patients, shares the same findings from an earlier Italian-led study involving 257 patients. The Chinese researchers reported microplastics in blood clots from patients who had undergone surgery following strokes, heart attacks, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where clots form in deep veins, usually in the legs or pelvis.
The patients, averaging 65 years old, had varied health backgrounds and lifestyles, including smoking, alcohol use, high blood pressure, and diabetes. They were equally split between rural and urban residents and used plastic products daily.
Key Findings
Chemical analysis detected microplastics in 24 of the 30 blood clots, with varying concentrations. The types of plastics identified included:
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): Often used in construction.
- Polyethylene (PE): Commonly found in bottles and shopping bags.
- Polyamide 66: Used in fabrics and textiles.
PE was the most prevalent, making up 54% of the particles analyzed. The presence of these plastics mirrors findings from the Italian study, which also identified PVC and PE in arterial plaques.
Health Implications
The researchers discovered a probable association between higher microplastic levels in blood clots and increased D-dimer levels in patients. D-dimer is a protein fragment released when blood clots break down. Elevated D-dimer levels can indicate blood clot presence, suggesting that microplastics might exacerbate clot formation. However, the study did not measure microplastics in patients’ blood, and as an observational study, it can only suggest correlations, not causation.
“These findings suggest that microplastics may serve as a potential risk factor associated with vascular health,” noted Tingting Wang, a clinician-scientist at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, and her colleagues. They emphasized the need for further research with larger sample sizes to validate these trends and identify exposure sources.
Broader Context
Previous studies have found microplastics in human lung tissue and blood samples, illustrating how these particles travel from the environment into our bodies. A 2023 study detected chemical ‘fingerprints’ of microplastics in surgically removed blood clots. The recent work by Wang and her team provides a clearer picture of the concentration of plastic particles in blood clots and their potential health effects.
The urgency of these findings cannot be overstated. Plastic production is increasing, driven by fossil fuel companies boosting plastic output as their other markets decline. “Due to the ubiquity of microplastics in the environment and in everyday products, human exposure to MPs is unavoidable,” Wang and her colleagues warn. “Microplastic pollutants have sparked growing concern due to their widespread presence and potential health implications.”
Reverse Osmosis and Water Conditioners
If you want nano particles, micro plastics, toxins, pfas and unwanted chemicals removed from your water be sure to not drink from plastic cups or soda cans, which have plastic liners, and consider instead using glassware in conjunction with a Reverse osmosis (RO) filtration system. RO systems remove contaminants, including microplastics, from water, ensuring cleaner drinking water. Whole-home water conditioners treat water throughout the house, reducing plastic and other impurities, thus providing comprehensive protection against microplastic exposure. Keeping your family healthy, strong and protected.
Source: Science Alert