Microplastics found in human hearts for first time: study

Aug 12, 2023

Plastics found in three different parts of the heart included poly(methyl methacrylate), a plastic commonly used as a shatter-resistant alternative to glass. These particles, researchers said, “’cannot be attributed to accidental exposure during surgery.

Polyethylene terephthalate, which is used in clothing and food containers, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is widespread in window frames, drainage pipes, paint and more, were also found. 

“The detection of in vivo MPs [microplastics] is alarming, and more studies are necessary to investigate how the MPs enter the cardiac tissues and the potential effects of MPs [microplastics] on long-term prognosis after cardiac surgery,” the research team concluded.

Last year, a study suggested that humans consume about 5 grams of small plastic particles every week, or roughly the weight of your credit card.

https://nypost.com/2023/08/12/microplastics-found-in-human-hearts-for-first-time-study/

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