They are found in our rivers, soil, and even food. Researchers are now discovering that microplastics are lodged in blood vessels, and they think these tiny particles may be behind some serious heart disease. We take a closer look at what experts call “groundbreaking” research.

Are microplastics linked to heart attacks and strokes?

In a new study published this month, New England Medical JournalScientists at Italy’s University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli examined 257 patients who had plaque (fatty material that forms blood vessels and can eventually block them) removed from arteries in the neck.

Microplastics are known to be attracted to fat molecules, so the researchers suspected that the particles might be found hidden inside cholesterol clumps. Approximately 60% of participants did so.

The research team also determined that people who: did People who have the substance lurking in their plaques are 4.5 times more likely to experience a heart attack, stroke, or death within the next 34 months. Inflammation levels were also high.

“This is a groundbreaking trial,” said Robert Brook, a physician and scientist at Wayne State University who studies environmental effects on heart health. scientific american. “This will be the starting point for further research around the world to corroborate, extend and delve into the extent of the risks posed by microplastics and nanoplastics.”

However, the authors cautioned that while they may have found a link between microplastics and heart disease, this does not prove that these substances directly cause heart attacks or strokes.

How to remove microplastics from water

These tiny pieces of plastic are known to enter the body through food and water, and scientists are concerned about whether they pose a health risk. Unfortunately, not much is known about this, but some experts suggest limiting your plastic intake.

Stephanie Wright, an environmental toxicologist at Imperial College, said one way to do this is to stop drinking bottled water, which “contains thousands of microplastic particles per liter.” guardian.

Another strategy that has shown promising results is to boil and filter your water. Researchers said in a paper published last month that they were able to remove 90 percent of microplastics from tap water using this method. They discovered that at high temperatures, some of the common minerals found in tap water become solid and covered in plastic, but they can all be removed using a coffee filter.

The authors of the paper said: washington post More research may be needed to determine the benefits of boiling water. However, if you want to try it, we recommend boiling the water and waiting up to 10 minutes for the solids to settle before passing it through the filter.