Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 14: In view of ever increasing incidence of cardiac ailments and lifestyle diseases, Head Department of Cardiology GMCH Jammu Dr Sushil Sharma held a day long cardiac awareness cum health check up camp at Nageshwar Temple Janipur Jammu for educating masses regarding the importance of primary prevention in decreasing mortality and morbidity associated with cardiovascular diseases.
While interacting with the people, Dr Sushil stated that in recent years, the rapid growth of plastic production and its subsequent waste accumulation has emerged as one of the greatest environmental and health challenges. “The world produced nearly 400.3 million metric tons of plastics in 2022 alone, and projections indicate that by 2050, around 13.2 billion tons of plastic waste will accumulate in ecosystems. As these plastics degrade, they form micro plastics (MPs) and nano plastics (NPs) – microscopic particles capable of infiltrating food, water, and even the air we breathe. These pollutants are no longer confined to oceans and soil; they are now entering the human body and posing a direct threat to cardiovascular health,” he said.
He elaborated that Humans are exposed to microplastics and nanoplastics through multiple routes: Ingestion of contaminated food and drinking water. Inhalation of airborne particles released from synthetic textiles, industrial emissions, and degraded plastics. Dermal exposure from personal care products and plastic-based materials. Once inside the body, these particles can translocate into the bloodstream and tissues, reaching vital organs including the heart and blood vessels. The cardiovascular system appears particularly vulnerable to microplastics and nanoplastics due to several mechanisms, Micro plastics can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and vascular damage. “Persistent inflammation and lipid dysregulation triggered by MPs/NPs may accelerate the development of atherosclerosis, thereby increasing the risk of coronary artery disease. Research suggests that these particles may interact with platelets and clotting pathways, potentially heightening the risk of thrombosis and embolic events.
He added that the widespread presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in food, water, and air means that human exposure is unavoidable. For cardiovascular health, this poses several challenges. Vulnerable groups, including infants, the elderly, and patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, may face greater risks. Health systems worldwide will need to prepare for the long-term cardiovascular impacts of this environmental hazard, he Said.
Others who were part of this Camp includes Dr Neeraj Mishra and Dr Bhola Kumar. Paramedics and volunteers include Kamal Sharma, Ranjeet Singh, Amnish Datta, Mukhtyar Malik, Makhan Sharma, Shubham Sharma, Mukesh Sharma, Vikas Kumar, Gourav Sharma, Rajinder Singh, Rajkumar and Nirvair Singh Bali.
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