Microplastics have previously been found in feces, infants and even fetuses, but for the first time, scientists documented that microplastics have also entered the bloodstream.
Microscopic particles, some up to 0.0007 mm - which is about one-twentieth the width of a hair - were detected in 77% of healthy blood donors tested in the Netherlands in a 2021 study.
Nearly 80% of blood donors had plastic particles. PET (polyethylene terephthalate), which is used to make beverage bottles, was found in 50% of donors, while polystyrene used for packaging was found in 36%. The third most common particle was polyethylene, commonly used to make plastic shopping bags, which was found in 23% of participants.
"Blood as an ingredient makes up 6-7% of body weight in humans. "It penetrates the body's organs and is the pathway for the transport of oxygen, nutrients and potentially plastic particles around the body to tissues and other organs," says the study.
The research states that, "it is scientifically credible that plastic particles can be transported to organs through the bloodstream."
Microplastics have been discovered in all areas of the planet, from sea creatures to tropical forests and mountain peaks. Small particles can enter the human body in many ways, but most are likely to enter through ingestion or inhalation.
The length of time plastic particles stay in the bloodstream remains unknown at the moment, but scientists are concerned that the particles could be carried by immune cells into the bloodstream, which could potentially affect the body's immunity. However more studies are needed to determine the risk to humans.
Source: Environmental International
