A new analysis finds microplastic exposure is associated with higher rates of stroke, diabetes, and hypertension in coastal communities.
Researchers analyzed 709 coastal census tracts, linking marine microplastic data from NOAA with chronic disease estimates from the CDC. After adjusting for 154 demographic and environmental factors, high-exposure areas showed significantly higher disease prevalence.
The strongest link was with stroke, showing a 21% higher prevalence. Diabetes was 17% higher, and hypertension was 10% higher.
Machine learning models identified microplastic concentration as a key predictor of stroke, independent of other risk factors.
The study is observational and does not prove causation. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms and potential for risk reduction.