A new study by the American Heart Association links high levels of microplastic ocean pollution in US coastal counties to increased rates of Type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Counties along the Gulf and East Coasts showed higher disease rates than West Coast counties. Researchers found an 18% increase in diabetes, 7% in coronary artery disease, and 9% in strokes in high-pollution areas. While the study doesn't prove direct causation, it suggests a correlation between microplastic pollution and negative health outcomes, impacting nearly 100 million coastal residents.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.