Are Microplastics Found Inside Human Artery Plaque?
A 2024 human study found microplastics and nanoplastics in carotid artery plaque. The study linked plaque particles with higher heart attack, stroke, or death risk, but it did not prove plastic caused those events.
What is the concern?
Microplastics and nanoplastics are tiny plastic pieces. People can take them in through food, water, dust, and air. Scientists have also found them in human tissues.
The strongest human heart-related study looked at carotid artery plaque. These are neck arteries that carry blood to the brain. That is different from saying plastic was proven to cause heart disease.
What the research says
A 2024 New England Journal of Medicine study tested plaque removed during carotid artery surgery. Polyethylene was detected in plaque from 150 of 257 patients who completed follow-up. Polyvinyl chloride was also detected in 31 patients.
Patients with microplastics or nanoplastics in plaque had a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death during about 34 months of follow-up. The hazard ratio was 4.53. This was an observational study, so it shows a strong link, not proof of cause.
A 2025 Food Chemistry study found that plastic food containers can release microplastics during rinsing and food migration tests. That makes food storage one practical place to reduce plastic contact.
What this means at home
You cannot remove every plastic exposure. You can reduce the easiest ones. Store leftovers in glass, avoid heating food in plastic, and replace scratched containers first.
The research at a glance
What to use instead
Glass storage helps lower the amount of plastic touching food, especially for leftovers, snacks, and foods that may be warmed later.
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