Scientists have first discovered microplastics in human blood

 Scientists have first discovered microplastics in human blood

A recent study revealed microplastic contamination in human blood for the first time since then. According to research published in the journal International, researchers found traces of small particles in almost 80% of samples tested by a group of researchers from the Netherlands.

The researchers examined blood samples from 22 unknown donors and found microplastics in 17 of them.

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic 0.2 inch (5 mm) in diameter. The discovery is a major breakthrough because it shows that particles can travel in the human body and even live in organs. While the impact of these particles on our health is unknown, scientists fear growing levels of pollution around the world and also a growing number of deaths due to air pollution each year.

Half of the receipts contained PET (polyethylene terephthalate), which is used to make disposable bottles. While polystyrene, which is widely used in food packaging, the research found 36 percent and polyethylene, which is used in packaging films and bags, was found in 23 percent of the samples obtained.

According to Professor Dick Vethaak, an ecotoxicologist at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, such particles can often cause inflammation. The researcher added:

Good ventilation in the house is important because the concentration of microplastics inside seems to be higher than outside. I also cover food and drink to reduce the accumulation of plastic particles.

In addition, the first study found that microplasts were found in the brain, intestines and placenta of unborn babies. While one study found that microplastics may adhere to the outer membranes of red blood cells and may limit their ability to carry oxygen. The particles are also found in the placenta of pregnant women. In pregnant mice, they rapidly pass through the lungs to the heart, brain and other organs of the fetus. Today, plastics are one of the most important pollutants on the planet. A lot of plastic waste is dumped from the mountains into the ocean. In January 2021, microplastics were found in samples of fish and other seafood from the mouth of the Sal River in Goa.