Microplastic Pollution Linked to Increased Cardiometabolic Disease Risk

DALLAS, June 18, 2025 – A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has revealed alarming connections between living near microplastic-polluted oceans and higher rates of cardiometabolic diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and stroke. The research, which analyzed data from 152 coastal counties across the United States, indicates that residents in areas with significant microplastic pollution are at a notably increased risk compared to those in less polluted regions.

The study, led by Dr. Sarju Ganatra, Medical Director of Sustainability and Vice Chair of Research at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts, found that individuals residing in counties with very high concentrations of microplastics in nearby ocean waters exhibited an 18% higher adjusted prevalence of Type 2 diabetes, a 7% increase in coronary artery disease, and a 9% rise in stroke occurrences. These findings suggest that microplastics, tiny plastic particles resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic waste, are not merely an environmental concern but may pose significant public health risks as well.

"This is one of the first large-scale studies to suggest that living near waters heavily polluted with microplastics may be linked to chronic health conditions. Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue—it may also be a public health issue," stated Dr. Ganatra. The implications of this study underline the necessity for further research to explore the pathways through which microplastics could impact human health and to identify the levels of exposure that may be deemed harmful.

Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, are omnipresent in the environment, having been detected in drinking water, seafood, and even the air. The study analyzed concentrations of marine microplastic pollution in ocean waters within 200 nautical miles of U.S. coastal counties, categorizing pollution levels into four groups based on mean marine microplastic levels (MML): low, medium, high, and very high.

The researchers discovered a stark contrast in health outcomes between residents of coastal counties with low levels of microplastic pollution (0-0.005 pieces/m³) and those with very high levels (10+ pieces/m³). The analysis adjusted for various risk factors, including age, gender, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare, reinforcing the association between microplastic pollution and increased disease prevalence.

Dr. Justin Zachariah, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, Chair of the writing committee for the 2024 American Heart Association Scientific Statement on Environmental Exposures and Pediatric Cardiology, emphasized the need for comprehensive individual-level studies to understand the precise effects of microplastics on health. He highlighted the importance of transparency and labeling regarding plastic content in consumer products to empower individuals to make informed choices.

Despite the compelling nature of the findings, the study does have limitations. The research primarily analyzed county-level data rather than individual exposure levels, which complicates the establishment of a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Furthermore, while microplastic levels in ocean water were measured, the study did not quantify microplastic concentrations in local food sources or the air, which are also critical exposure pathways.

Dr. Ganatra noted, "The findings are a call for more in-depth research, not for making definitive conclusions. We must understand how microplastics enter the human body, their harmful levels, and their long-term health effects."

As the research team prepares to conduct follow-up studies to measure individual microplastic exposure and its biological impacts, the implications of this work extend beyond public health. The findings may drive policy changes aimed at reducing plastic pollution and addressing its health consequences. Dr. Ganatra advocates for policymakers to recognize plastic pollution as both an environmental and potential health crisis, urging a shift from awareness to proactive measures to mitigate the effects of microplastics on human health.

In summary, the study serves as a crucial step in understanding the implications of microplastic pollution, emphasizing the need for further research to clarify its health impacts and to guide public health interventions. With microplastics pervasive in various ecosystems, addressing this issue is imperative for safeguarding both environmental integrity and public health.