NEW DATA: MICROPLASTICS in our BODY

Summary

The transcript discusses the alarming presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in the human body, as revealed by scientific studies. A study from Italy found that patients with plastic in their blood had a significantly higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. Another study suggested that these tiny plastic particles may be causing inflammation and adverse health effects by interacting with immune system cells. The speaker emphasizes the need to reduce plastic use, citing personal changes to glass bottles and advocating for alternatives to plastic products.

Takeaways

• 🚫 The speaker has stopped using plastic bottles and switched to glass due to concerns about microplastics.
• 🔍 A study in Italy found microplastics in arterial plaque removed from patients during a cardiac procedure.
• 🧬 The research showed a ratio of 1 microgram of plastic per 50 milligrams of plaque, indicating significant accumulation.
• 💔 Patients with microplastics in their blood had a 4.5 times higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death within 34 months post-surgery.
• 📚 The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine, highlighting the severity of the issue.
• 🔬 A German-Norwegian study suggested that micro- and nanoplastics can bind to immune system cells, causing inflammation and adverse health effects.
• 🌐 Microplastics and nanoplastics are primarily made of PET (used for bottles) and PVC (used in plumbing), which can break down into small particles.
• 🔄 These plastics can enter our water and food supply through exposure to sunlight and are slowly accumulating in our bodies.
• 🌿 The environmental and economic costs of alternatives to plastic are higher, posing challenges for widespread change.
• 🥤 Despite difficulties in completely avoiding plastic, the speaker advocates for reducing plastic use, especially in drinking water containers.
• 🚮 The speaker emphasizes the importance of making a choice to reduce plastic use, even if it's inconvenient or costly.

Q & A

What is the main concern discussed in the transcript regarding microplastics?

The main concern is that microplastics and nanoplastics are accumulating in the human body and may be causing adverse health outcomes, including a higher likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, and death.

What did the Italian scientists find in the plaque removed from patients' arteries?

The Italian scientists found microplastics in the plaque removed from patients' arteries, with a ratio of roughly 1 microgram of plastic per 50 milligrams of plaque.

What was the follow-up finding after 34 months for patients with plastic in their blood?

Patients with plastic in their blood had a four and a half times higher likelihood of having a heart attack, stroke, or death from any cause within 34 months.

What did the German and Norwegian team discover about the interaction between microplastics and the immune system?

The German and Norwegian team found that microplastics bind to dendritic cells and monocytes in the immune system, causing the release of cytokines and triggering a strong inflammatory response.

What types of plastics were mentioned as being a concern in the transcript?

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is used to make plastic bottles, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is used in plumbing and piping, were mentioned as concerning types of plastics.

How did the speaker change their habits in response to the microplastics issue?

The speaker switched to using all-glass items and got rid of plastic bottles in their house, opting to fill glass bottles from their water filter instead.

What is the speaker's recommendation for reducing plastic consumption?

The speaker recommends using glass bottles, cans, and stainless steel containers as alternatives to plastic, despite acknowledging the higher environmental and financial costs of these alternatives.

What is the significance of the finding that nanoplastics may act as a scaffolding for plaque?

The significance is that nanoplastics may contribute to the growth of plaque in the arteries, potentially leading to faster development of cardiovascular issues compared to if the plaque were growing naturally without the presence of microplastics.

What are some everyday items that are difficult to avoid plastic in, as mentioned in the transcript?

Yogurt containers and water bottles were mentioned as everyday items that are often made of plastic and can be difficult to avoid.

How does the speaker address the challenges of switching to alternatives to plastic?

The speaker acknowledges that there are challenges, including the higher costs and potential inconvenience, but emphasizes that making the switch is the right thing to do for health and environmental reasons.

What is the speaker's reaction to the research findings on microplastics?

The speaker is deeply concerned and disturbed by the research findings, leading them to make significant changes in their lifestyle to avoid plastic.