Human Blood First To Contain Microplastics
The particles may be able to travel throughout the body and could lodge in the organs. The health effects are still unknown. However, researchers are concerned that microplastics could cause damage to human cells in the lab and air pollutant particles can enter the body and cause millions of early deaths per year.
Large amounts of plastic waste are thrown into the environment, and microplastics now pollute the entire planet. It was already known that tiny particles could be consumed via food or water. They have also been discovered in the faeces and urine of adults.
The scientists studied blood samples from 22 donors who were all healthy and anonymous. They found plastic particles in 17. Half of the blood samples contained PET plastic, which can be used to make drinks bottles. The other half contained polystyrene that is used for packaging food. One quarter of blood samples contained polyethylene (from which plastic carrier bags are manufactured).
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