Plastic particles found in human blood, a world first
- 2 years ago
Plastic does not only pollute the environment...
for the first time, a Dutch study has succeeded in demonstrating the presence of microplastics (particles smaller than 5 mm) in human blood.
The researchers collected blood samples from 22 anonymous donors, all healthy adults.
Result: 17 of them (more than 77% of the participants!) had microplastics.
According to the authors of the study, however, the amount is still quite low: about 1.6 micrograms per milliliter of blood.
Among these particles plastic particles, we find in :
- half of the cases: polyethylene terephthalate, one of the most used plastics in the world for bottles and polyester fibres.
- 1/3 of the cases: polystyrene, which is found in food packaging.
- 1/4 of the cases: polyethylene found in the food industry and cosmetics.
These particles would enter the body by inhalation or ingestion (through air, water, food, hygiene or cosmetic products).
Further studies are needed to determine the long-term consequences for humans.
These results are the first of their kind and further research is needed to determine the extent of the pollution of the human body and the damage that could result. .
"With this method, we can determine whether exposure to microplastics is a threat to public health." Marja Lamoree, author of the study
for the first time, a Dutch study has succeeded in demonstrating the presence of microplastics (particles smaller than 5 mm) in human blood.
The researchers collected blood samples from 22 anonymous donors, all healthy adults.
Result: 17 of them (more than 77% of the participants!) had microplastics.
According to the authors of the study, however, the amount is still quite low: about 1.6 micrograms per milliliter of blood.
Among these particles plastic particles, we find in :
- half of the cases: polyethylene terephthalate, one of the most used plastics in the world for bottles and polyester fibres.
- 1/3 of the cases: polystyrene, which is found in food packaging.
- 1/4 of the cases: polyethylene found in the food industry and cosmetics.
These particles would enter the body by inhalation or ingestion (through air, water, food, hygiene or cosmetic products).
Further studies are needed to determine the long-term consequences for humans.
These results are the first of their kind and further research is needed to determine the extent of the pollution of the human body and the damage that could result. .
"With this method, we can determine whether exposure to microplastics is a threat to public health." Marja Lamoree, author of the study