For the first time, researchers have found microplastics in human blood after a study found traces in about 80% of blood donors.
A group of Dutch scientists made the startling discovery after finding particles in 17 of 22 blood samples. A team of scientists from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam studied blood from 22 anonymous volunteers and tested it for five types of common plastic, which was then published in the journal Environmental International.
This includes PET, polypropylene, and polystyrene.
Microplastics were discovered in 17 samples, with an average quantity of 1.6 micrograms per microliter of blood, or one teaspoon per 1,000 litres of water.
PET, which is used to produce beverages bottles and food packaging, was the most commonly identified plastic, according to their research.
PET was discovered in 50% of the volunteers, while polystyrene was discovered in 36%.
Polyethylene, which is commonly used in packaging films and bags, was discovered in 23% of the samples.
More research is needed to assess the impact of microplastics in the blood, according to the researchers.
This will entail establishing whether they accumulate in the body and affect organ function, or whether they move through the system unnoticed.
Dr. Dick Vethaak, one of the study’s co-authors, admitted that the study was only the first step and that it would need to be expanded to larger sample size.
He told The Times: “A lot more research is needed to understand what it means.
“We know the plastic is in our body, but where does it go and what does it do?”
The study, according to Dr. Vethak, is the first of its kind in the world to look for microplastics in blood.
He also stated that the findings were to be expected considering the widespread use of plastics.
To reduce their risks, Dr. Vethak advised consumers to avoid using plastic packaging whenever possible and to avoid cooking food in plastic containers.
The study was “an eye-opener,” according to Dr Fay Couceiro, a senior research fellow at the University of Portsmouth who was not involved in it.
She said: “The ability to detect its presence is critical to us realising the urgency in our need to do more research in this area.
“After all, blood links all the organs of our body and if plastic is there it could be anywhere in us.”
Image Credit: Getty
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