Living Near Polluted Oceans with Microplastics May Heighten Risk of Heart and Metabolic Diseases

Recent research indicates that residing in U.S. coastal counties adjacent to waters heavily contaminated with microplastics could significantly increase the likelihood of developing cardiometabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Microplastics—tiny plastic fragments less than 5 millimeters—pervade the environment, entering drinking water, seafood, and the air we breathe. Their presence is especially pronounced in coastal areas where seawater intrusion introduces microplastic pollutants into groundwater supplies.

A comprehensive study examined the levels of marine microplastic pollution within 200 nautical miles of U.S. coastlines, categorizing pollution into four levels: low, medium, high, and very high. It found that residents in areas with the most intense microplastic contamination faced an 18% higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes, a 7% increase in coronary artery disease, and a 9% greater incidence of stroke, compared to those living in areas with minimal pollution. These associations persisted even after adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors.

The study highlighted regional disparities, noting higher rates of these diseases along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts compared to the Pacific coast. Importantly, the findings suggest that increased microplastic exposure correlates with higher rates of cardiometabolic diseases, raising concerns about environmental pollution’s impact on public health.

Microplastics originate from the breakdown of larger plastic waste, including packaging, synthetic fabrics, and personal care products. As they infiltrate marine ecosystems, they can accumulate in seafood and drinking water, potentially entering human bodies through various pathways. Scientists emphasize that the full health impact of microplastics remains under investigation, but preliminary evidence underscores the urgency of addressing plastic pollution both environmentally and as a public health risk.

Experts advocate for more detailed research to understand how microplastics affect human health, including their mechanisms of harm and safe exposure levels. Meanwhile, policymakers are urged to treat plastic pollution as a critical health issue, promoting measures to reduce plastic waste and limit microplastic presence in ecosystems. As Dr. Sarju Ganatra, senior author of the study, states, “The garbage we discard often returns to us. It’s time to move from awareness to action.”

This research underscores the interconnectedness of environmental health and personal well-being, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices and policies to mitigate microplastic pollution and safeguard public health.