Scientists have found microplastic pollution in human blood. This is the first time that this has been done.
The discovery shows that the particles can travel throughout the body and could lodge in organs. The health effects are still unknown. Researchers are concerned because microplastics can damage human cells in the lab and air pollution particles can enter the body causing millions of premature deaths per year.
The environment is being contaminated by huge amounts of plastic waste. These microplastics have now reached the depths of the oceans and are now found at the summit of Mount Everest. It was known that the microplastics could be ingested via water and food, as well a as in the feces and lungs of humans.
The scientists analysed blood samples taken from 22 healthy donors and found plastic particles in 17. Half of the blood samples contained PET plastic, which is used in drink bottles. The other half contained polystyrene which is used to package food and other products. Polyethylene, which is the main ingredient in plastic carrier bags, was found in 25% of blood samples.
Our study is the first evidence that we have polymer particles within our blood, it’s a breakthrough result, said Prof Dick Vethaak of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, an ecotoxicologist. However, we need to continue the research and expand the sample sizes and the number of polymers that are being assessed. He stated that there are already ongoing studies by a variety of groups.
Vethaak stated to the Guardian that it is reasonable to be concerned. The particles are present and are carried throughout the body. He stated that previous work had shown that microplastics were 10x more common in babies’ faeces than in adults. Additionally, babies who are fed plastic bottles are eating millions of microplastic particles per day.
He said that children younger than 5 years old are more likely to be exposed to chemicals and particles. This worries me a lot.
The new research was published in the Environment International journalI modified existing techniques to detect and analyse particles down to 0.0007mm. Some blood samples contained multiple types of plastic. To avoid contamination, the team used steel needles and glass tubes. Blank samples were used for testing for background levels.
Vethaak acknowledged that there was a significant difference in the amounts and types of plastic between blood samples. He said that this is a pioneering research and more work is needed. He speculated that the differences might be due to short-term exposures, such as when the blood samples were taken.
The big question is, what is going on in our bodies? Vethaak stated. Are the particles still in the body? Are they transported to particular organs such as the blood-brain barrier? Is it enough to cause disease? We urgently require funding for further research to determine this.
The Dutch National Organisation for Health Research and Development and Common Seas provided funding for the research. This social enterprise works to reduce plastic waste.
Jo Royle, co-founder of Common Seas, stated that plastic production will double by 2040. We have the right to know what all of this plastic is doing for our bodies. Common Seas is asking this question along with over 80 scientists, MPs, and NGOs. UK government allocates 15m to researchon the human health effects of plastic. The EU already funds research into the topic. Impact of microplastics on babies and foetuses, and on immune system.
A recent study revealed that microplastics are capable of causing damage to the environment. Hold onto the outer membranes red blood cell’s red blood cellsThis could limit their ability to transport oxygen. They have been found in the placentas in pregnant women and in the lungs of pregnant rats. They also pass quickly through the lungs into hearts, brains, and other organs in the foetuses.
A new Review paper published TuesdayVethaak co-authored the paper. It assessed cancer risk and concluded that more detailed research is needed on how micro-and nano-plastics affect structures and processes in the human body and whether or not they can transform cells and incite carcinogenesis. Each day, the problem becomes more urgent.
