Microplastics have been found in human blood for the first time. The study was published in the journal Environment International.
- Scientists in the Netherlands took blood samples from 22 anonymous healthy adult donors and analysed them for particles as small as 0.00002 of an inch.
Results of study
- 17 out of the 22 volunteers (77.2 per cent) had microplastics in their blood – a finding described as ‘extremely concerning’.
- The study tested for five types of plastic – polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
- Microplastics have been found in the brain, gut, the placenta of unborn babies and the faeces of adults and infants, but never before from blood samples.
- 50 per cent of the blood samples contained polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This was the most prevalent plastic type in the samples.
- PET is a clear, strong and lightweight plastic that is widely used for packaging foods and beverages, especially convenience-sized soft drinks, juices and water.
What are Microplastics ?
- Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than 0.2 of an inch (5mm) in diameter.
- Microplastics enter the waterways through a variety of means and finish suspended in the liquid. From the water, they can be ingested by seafood or absorbed by plants to end up in our food.
Health effects of ingesting microplastics (based on recent studies)
- They can cause cell death and allergic reactions in humans.
- They can cause intestinal inflammation, gut microbiome disturbances and other problems in non-human animals.
- They may be causing inflammatory bowel disease in humans.
- They can deform human cell membranes and affect their functioning.
(Sources: DMS)
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