Microplastics in Focus: Scientists Investigate Potential Health Risks

and also seem to nest in our bodies. A recently published study by Italian scientists is causing a stir, as an examination of 257 patients who underwent procedures for clogged arteries found microplastics in the artery deposits in more than half of the cases. Long-term observations show: patients with microplastics in their arteries had a significantly higher risk of suffering a stroke, heart attack, or even death. This study is among the most ambitious attempts to link microplastics with serious health impacts. However, there are critics who question the validity of the results, pointing to potential sample contamination and methodological flaws. The phenomenon of microplastics highlights the limits of our current knowledge. Roel Vermeulen from Utrecht University, who coordinates an EU research program on micro- and nanoplastics, emphasizes that sound scientific findings take time. Microplastics result from the degradation of larger plastic products that we use daily. These tiny particles have already been detected in human organs such as the lungs, heart, and even the brain. Despite the consensus among researchers about the likely health risks, high-quality studies and standardized research methods are still lacking. This presents challenges for decision-makers who must make decisions based on a relatively narrow scientific foundation. Vermeulen illustrates that the steady increase in plastic production is not only ecologically unsustainable but also poses additional health risks. Similar to air pollution, plastic particles could enter the bloodstream through the lungs and thus reach any part of the body. Stephanie Wright from Imperial College London advises caution when interpreting studies that have detected microplastics in the body. Often, the particles could also be introduced during the scientific process. While scientists decipher the exact biological effects of microplastics, many citizens and experts are calling for precautionary regulatory measures. The EU has already banned the addition of microplastics in products such as cosmetics, but the greater challenge lies in reducing microplastics that arise from the degradation of larger plastic products. The pressure to reduce plastic in the environment is increasing, as global plastic production is expected to double by 2050, bringing significant ecological and health challenges. "There are many reasons to act now," says Vermeulen.