The paper published in this issue of the ICVTS by Green and colleagues [1] from the University of Hull in the UK addresses an often underestimated yet increasingly recognized issue in medicine and other scientific fields: the degradation of plastic into micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs). This topic has garnered exponential interest in recent years, and for good reason.

All forms of extracorporeal circulation rely on plastic materials for tubing and additional devices. While the chemical stability of these materials—characterized by strong polymer bonds, hydrophobic properties and crystalline structures—makes them ideal for medical use, these very qualities now pose potential health risks. With an annual global plastic production of 400 million tons, projected to double by 2050 [2, 3], the environmental and biological impact of plastic degradation products has become a pressing concern. MNP particles are now pervasive in the air, water and food supply and have been detected in all living organisms, including human organs.

Against this backdrop, it is unsurprising that Green et al. [1] report significant levels of microplastic (MP) generation from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuits. The key questions now are: How should these findings be interpreted, and what challenges—but also opportunities—do they present for future research and clinical practice?