Once again, microplastics, the tiny particles that pervade our environment, have been found in a place where they shouldn’t be. This time, in a very concerning place: the plaque within human arteries.
Researchers in Italy have uncovered a correlation between microplastics in arterial plaques and an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events.
According to a recent study, individuals with microplastics detected in the plaque obstructing their neck arteries were four-and-a-half times more likely to suffer from heart attacks, strokes, or death compared to those without plastic in their arterial plaque.
The study, published in the latest issue of the New England Journal of Medicine,
calls for further investigation into the sources of microplastic exposure and the mechanisms by which they contribute to cardiovascular disease. As the scientific community delves deeper into the health implications of microplastics, it becomes increasingly clear that addressing plastic pollution is not only an environmental imperative, but also a public health priority.
Fortunately, there are several organizations within our .earth web domain tribe who are working to eliminate microplastics in the environment:
- PlasticFootPrint.Earth: This organization is establishing harmonized, science-based frameworks and strategies for plastic pollution assessment, target setting and mitigation action. Learn more here.
- PlasticsRebellion.Earth: The organization fights against plastic polluters such as Coke for a more plastic-free world. Learn more here.
- CCAPP.Earth: Citizens Concerned About Plastic Pollution (CCAPP) encourages action to reduce use and limit production of single-use plastics. Learn more here.
- Tru.Earth: The company makes environmentally safe laundry detergent, but without the big plastic jugs. Learn more here.
- Morro.Earth: This company is replacing hidden microplastics in home and personal care products, used to encapsulate fragrance. Learn more here.
- Viable.Earth: This content-creation company covers sustainable businesses including using seaweed to make edible packaging instead of plastics. Learn more here.
With the Earth Day 2024 theme being “Planet vs. Plastics,” we will be highlighting more content around solutions for countering today’s environmental problems regarding plastics in the coming weeks. In addition, stay tuned for more information regarding our annual .earth web domain Earth Day promotion!
Is your organization working to combat the impacts of microplastics? The .earth web domain is ideal for enhancing your brands and communicating your mission of eliminating these harmful toxins from our planet.
To learn more about the .earth domain, visit Voices.Earth. In addition, many organizations and individuals are sharing their voices about the benefits of a .earth domain in our Voices.Earth podcast series.
