New research presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session 2025 has shown that higher exposure to microplastics is associated with a greater risk of several chronic diseases, including stroke, diabetes, and hypertension.
The study examined the relationship between the prevalence of microplastics in nearby bodies of water and the prevalence of various chronic diseases in the United States between 2015 and 2019. Regions included the East, West, and Gulf coasts, where microplastic concentrations have been well documented. During the study period, chronic health conditions were measured including stroke, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. Microplastics have become a common pollutant in our environments that may pose a health risk for people who inadvertently consume them or breathe them in, and this study sought to determine how levels of microplastic pollution nearby may affect the prevalence of chronic diseases in the area.
The results showed that levels of microplastic pollution were correlated with higher chances of having high blood pressure, diabetes, and strokes. Rates of cancer were not correlated with local levels of microplastic pollution. Higher levels of microplastic pollution were correlated with a greater risk of developing the conditions, suggesting a dose-dependent relationship.
The authors noted that our environments play a major role in our health, and this is particularly true for heart and artery health. While this study showed a correlation between microplastic pollution and chronic disease, more research is needed to determine whether there is a causal relationship between the two. More research is also needed to determine whether there is a minimum level of exposure or length of time of exposure for microplastics to impact health. To reduce exposure to microplastics, steps include producing and using less plastic as well as properly disposing of plastic. Microplastics enter the environment when larger pieces of plastic break down and can come from sources such as food packaging, consumer products, and building materials.
Sources: ACC, Science Daily
