In a groundbreaking study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers have found a new culprit in the list of cardiovascular risk factors: microplastics. The study reveals that surgical patients with a build-up of micro and nanoplastics in their arterial plaque face a 2.1 times greater risk of nonfatal heart attack, nonfatal stroke, or death from any cause in the three years following surgery.

The international team of physicians and researchers involved in the study, which included experts from institutions such as Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, discovered that microplastics, which are pervasive fossil fuel-based particles, are directly impacting human health. This finding, described as the first of its kind, underscores the urgent need for action to address plastic pollution and its harmful effects on human well-being.

Dr. Antonio Ceriello, co-author of the study and the head of the diabetes department at IRCCS MultiMedica, a research hospital in Milan, emphasized that this research should serve as a wakeup call for individuals, governments, and corporations alike. Plastic pollution is not just an environmental nuisance but also a threat to human health, he warned.

The study's implications are particularly timely, as government officials, environmental activists, corporate representatives, and negotiators prepare to gather in Ottawa to discuss a potential global ban on plastic pollution. Many hope that this study's findings will tip the scales and pave the way for real and tangible regulations on plastic use and production.

Dr. Philip Landrigan, director of the Program for Global Public Health and the Common Good at Boston College, compares the growing awareness of the plastic crisis to that of climate change. He argues that it is only when individuals witness the direct impact of these issues on their own lives, such as wildfires destroying homes or heatwaves harming crops, that they truly understand the urgency and necessity of taking action.

Although further research is needed, Dr. Landrigan emphasized the significance of this study as it is the first to establish a connection between microplastics and human disease. In an accompanying essay, he urges the global community to adhere to a "mandatory global cap on plastic production" to address this pressing issue.

However, Matt Seaholm, president and chief executive of the Plastics Industry Association, suggests that more research should be conducted to determine the origin of these particles before implementing laws. He argues that existing studies indicate that microplastics are not derived from packaging or single-use items and encourages lawmakers to consider this information.

Studies have shown that the primary sources of microplastics in the environment are car tires and synthetic clothing. Nonetheless, the expansion of the plastic industry and the increasing production of single-use plastic items contribute significantly to environmental contamination and pollution.

The study focused on a group of 257 surgical patients who had a build-up of arterial plaque. The analysis revealed the presence of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride micro- and nano-particles in the plaque. These materials are commonly used in the production of everyday items such as water bottles, medical devices, and even children's toys.

Overall, the study found that patients with microplastics in their plaque had a higher susceptibility to heart disease in the months following surgery. Indicators of inflammation were also elevated in this group. While the study only demonstrates a correlation, not causality, further research is required to establish a definitive connection.

The authors noted that other factors, such as accompanying chemicals, might also contribute to the observed health risks. The presence of chemicals like bisphenol A and phthalates on microplastics could potentially exacerbate the negative impacts. Additionally, the study highlights the possibility of lab contamination and unknown patient behaviors influencing the results.

As the global community strives to address the growing plastic pollution crisis, this groundbreaking study serves as a poignant reminder of the detrimental effects of microplastics on human health. It underscores the urgent need to establish regulations and find sustainable alternatives to plastic to protect both the environment and our well-being.