A recent study found microplastics in blood clots surgically removed from the heart, brain and deep veins in the lower legs.
The Chinese study, published in eBioMedicine, analyzed clots that were removed after experiencing a stroke, heart attack or deep vein thrombosis in 30 older patients. The study found a potential link between microplastics and blood clots.
The study found the most common types of microplastics came from polyvinyl chloride, often used in construction, and polyethylene, commonly used in bottles and shopping bags. It also detected polyamide 66, a common plastic used in fabric and textiles.
About 54% of the plastic particles came from polyethylene.
This is the second study to find microplastics in clots. In March, a study from Italian researchers found 50% of clots had microplastics. The study analyzed clots from 257 patients followed for 34 months.