Weathered Microplastics Linked to Heightened Blood Clot Threat

According to a recent study published in the journal Microplastics and Nanoplastics, weathered microplastics in human blood may pose a concerning health risk: an increased likelihood of blood clots. The research, conducted by a team at the Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research, examined the impact of 10 common plastic polymers that had been exposed to environmental weathering simulations.

The weathering process caused oxidation and changes to the plastic's acidic surface characteristics. Crucially, the researchers found that these "weathered" microplastics induced "substantially higher blood coagulation" compared to non-weathered particles. This suggests a potential "thrombotic risk" for people exposed to degrading microplastics in the environment.

The study's findings indicate that the changes to weathered microplastics may encourage the release of pro-inflammatory and pro-coagulant substances from platelets. Together, these factors "may represent an emerging cardiovascular risk factor previously unrecognized," according to an article from Bioengineer.

As microplastics continue to be a growing concern for human health, this latest research adds to the mounting evidence of their potential dangers. Experts recommend taking steps to reduce personal exposure, such as avoiding plastic cookware and storage containers. On a larger scale, increased monitoring and regulation of micro- and single-use plastics could also help mitigate the risks posed by these ubiquitous pollutants.