Microplastics are everywhere, including the clothes we wear, the food we eat, and the water we drink. Scientists are working to understand what microplastics may be doing inside our bodies, including researchers at the University of Cincinnati, who received more than $3 million to take a closer look at the impact on heart health.

Understanding Microplastics

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are present in the environment. They are measured in micrometers or nanometers, with one micrometer being about 1/100 of the width of a human hair. According to Dr. Wang, microplastics are widely spread in the environment, and there is well-documented human exposure to them.

Dr. Kaval explained that there are many sources of microplastics in our daily lives, including paint, daily plastic products, and clothing. In fact, about 60 to 70% of clothing contains microplastics. To reduce exposure, Dr. Kaval suggested drinking tap water instead of bottled water, using a wooden cutting board instead of a plastic one, and avoiding heating plastic containers in the microwave.

Research and Findings

The University of Cincinnati researchers plan to address three major questions in their project. Firstly, they will try to understand how microplastics affect the function and property of the heart. Secondly, they want to figure out how exposure to microplastics can potentially worsen the outcome following a heart attack. Lastly, they are trying to determine the mechanism underlying the toxicity of microplastics.

According to Dr. Wang, the major source of human exposure to microplastics is through ingestion, including food, beverages, and water. The second biggest source of exposure is inhalation, as microplastics are suspended in the air and can be breathed in.

Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.