Scientists detect ‘microplastics’ in human heart for first time: Report

Contact Counsellor

Last Updated18/08/2023

A team of scientists in China recently found microplastics in the human heart for the first time.
They made the discovery while analysing the heart tissue of 15 patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery.
They also found Polyethylene terephthalate used in clothing and food containers, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) widespread in window frames, drainage pipes, paint and more.

These are tiny bits of various types of plastic found in the environment.
They are a result of
- Fragmentation and degradation of larger plastic items
- Direct release of tiny plastic particles, often intentionally added to consumer products like cosmetics and cleaning agents.
The S. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and the European Chemical Agency define microplastic as less than 5 mm in length.

Primary Microplastics
- They are tiny particles designed for commercial use, such as cosmetics.
- They enter the environment directly through various channels.
- This includes unintentional loss from spills during manufacturing or transport or abrasion during washing.
Secondary Microplastics
- They are particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items such as water bottles.
- This typically happens when larger plastics undergo weathering through exposure to wave action, wind abrasion, and ultraviolet radiation from sunlight.

Microplastics are not biodegradable.
- Thus, once in the environment, primary and secondary microplastics accumulate and persist.
They can be ingested by marine organisms, leading to potential harm to aquatic life and bioaccumulation along the food chain.
They can also carry toxic chemicals and pollutants, posing additional risks to organisms and ecosystems.