The harmful role of nano and micro plastics on the health of the heart and blood vessels was described in an important study published days ago in the highly authoritative journal New England Journal of Medicine. Patients with atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid artery containing micro- and nano-plastics had a four-fold greater risk of death or major cardiovascular events (for example, heart attack or cerebral stroke) compared to patients with the same plaques but without plastics.
The epidemiological study in Italy was carried out on 304 patients followed for an average of 34 months. Although a causal link is not demonstrated, the demonstrated clinical effect is significant. Plastic particles, introduced into the body mainly by ingestion, can increase the production of free radicals, thus causing chronic inflammation which is the basis of atherosclerosis.
A scientific study on this topic is necessary (what risk is linked to plastic bottles or food wrapped in plastic, seafood or tuna?), in association with legislative interventions that reduce the use and control the disposal of plastics.
