Microplastics Have Made It To Human Blood, Scientists Find For The First Time

In an alarming development, for the first time, scientists have found traces of microplastics in human blood.

A new study published in the journal Environment International said that out of the 22 anonymous blood samples tested, plastic particles were found in 80% of people.

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What the research says

The overall concentration of plastic particles in the blood of the 22 donors amounted to an average of 1.6 microgram/millilitre (ug/ml), which is comparable to a teaspoon of plastic in 1,000 lts of water (10 large bathtubs).

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene, and polymers of styrene were the most common types of plastic found in the blood samples, followed by poly(methyl methacrylate). Polypropylene was also analysed but the concentrations were too low for an accurate measurement.

PET is commonly found in soda and water bottles; containers; polyethylene in bottles for milk and household cleaners; blow-extruded grocery bags, caps, and toys; while polymers of styrene are found in disposable cutlery, plastic models, CD's and DVD cases.

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"We have now proven that our bloodstream, our river of life as it were, has plastic in it," said ecotoxicologist Heather Leslie from Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam.

First-of-its-kind study

"This dataset is the first of its kind and must be expanded to gain insight into how widespread plastic pollution is in the bodies of humans, and how harmful that may be. With this insight we can determine whether exposure to plastic particles pose threat to public health," said analytical chemist Marja Lamoree from the varsity.

According to the researchers, plastic particles can enter the human body from air as well as through food and drink.

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Scientists said that the microplastics that move around could and get stuck to organs, causing damage to them.

More study needed

They however said that more study is needed to find out the full impact of this.

So far laboratory experiments have shown that microplastics damaged human cells.

Similar studies on animals had found that mice given large quantities of microplastics were found to have inflammation in their small intestines, lowered sperm count and fewer, smaller pups, compared with control groups.

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A 2020 study had found traces of microplastic particles in the placentas of unborn babies for the first time. They were detected on both the foetal and maternal sides of the placenta and in the membrane within which the foetus develops.

Humans are estimated to ingest tens of thousands to millions of MP particles annually, or on the order of several milligrams daily.

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