Chloe Zhang
Plastic particles, also known as microplastics, have been found in human organs, tissues, blood, and other biological samples such as breast milk, stool, sputum, and urine. The primary entry routes for microplastics into the human body are ingestion and inhalation. While the presence of microplastics in the human body has been established, the health risks associated with their presence remain unknown. Researchers are working to understand the extent of human exposure to microplastics and the levels at which they become toxic. Laboratory tests have shown that microplastics can cause damage to human cells, including allergic reactions and cell death. However, there is a lack of large-scale epidemiological studies to confirm the connection between microplastic exposure and health impacts in humans. The detection and measurement of microplastics in the human body are crucial to understanding their potential health risks and developing strategies to mitigate their presence in the environment and our daily lives.
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What You'll Learn
Detecting plastic in human blood
The study found microparticles of four common plastics in the blood samples from 17 out of 22 healthy adults. The four plastics identified were polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene, polymers of styrene, and poly(methyl methacrylate). Polypropylene (PP) was also analysed, but the values were under the limit of quantification. The mean quantifiable concentration of plastic particles in the blood was 1.6 µg/ml. This was the first measurement of the mass concentration of the polymeric component of plastic in human blood.
A separate study by a research team at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona developed a method to detect nanoplastics in human peripheral blood using flow cytometry. Flow cytometry is a laser-based technique used to detect and analyse the chemical and physical characteristics of cells or particles. The researchers used a lipophilic dye called Nile Red, which binds to the surface of plastics and neural lipids, in combination with fluorescence techniques and nanocytometry. This method was designed to prevent surface and airborne sample contamination by plastic particles from the environment.
The detection of plastic in human blood is a cause for concern, as it indicates that humans are exposed to plastic particles through various routes such as air, food, water, and personal care products. While the health risks of plastic in the blood are not yet fully understood, further research is needed to determine the potential impact on human health and the environment.
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Finding plastic in human organs
Plastic waste can degrade into smaller bits known as microplastics. A growing body of scientific evidence shows that microplastics are accumulating in critical human organs, including the brain, lungs, placentas, reproductive organs, livers, kidneys, knee and elbow joints, blood vessels, and bone marrow.
The presence of microplastics in human organs is due to passage, storage, or excretion pathways. Humans are exposed to microplastics through environmental plastic pollution in the air, water, and food. The health hazards of microplastics within the human body are not yet well-known, but there is evidence from animal studies that microplastics can cause damage in the body.
One hypothesis is that cells are unable to metabolize plastic, which may disrupt their ability to carry out duties and cause inflammation that leads to various diseases. Another study found that the presence of microplastics in the brain may be linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia have begun testing blood and tissue samples to develop ways to detect and measure nanoplastics in the human body. The team wears 100% cotton scrubs to minimise fibre shedding and ensure that any fibres are easily identified.
Future research will need to examine the mechanisms behind how microplastics might damage human health and standardise the measurement of microplastics and nanoplastics in human tissues.
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Plastic in human breast milk
The presence of plastic in human body fluids and tissues is a growing concern, with evidence of microplastics being found in human blood, urine, stool, and sputum. Detecting and measuring nanoplastics in the human body is a challenging task due to the potential for contamination from the environment and the small scale of plastic particles.
One of the world's first plastics contamination-controlled laboratories, the University of Queensland, has begun testing blood and tissue samples to address this issue. Their research aims to develop ways to accurately detect and measure nanoplastics in the human body, which will help determine whether fragmented plastics pose a health risk.
Plastic pollution is widespread, and humans are exposed to plastics daily through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. Microplastics, small plastic particles resulting from the degradation of plastic waste, have been detected in various human biological samples, including breast milk.
A recent study in Italy found microplastics in the breast milk of 75% of the 34 healthy mothers who provided samples a week after giving birth in Rome. The samples were collected, stored, and analysed without the use of plastics, and control samples were also processed to rule out contamination. The most common type of microplastic found in the samples was polypropylene, a plastic polymer found in household and personal care products. The exact mechanism by which microplastics enter breast milk is not yet fully understood, but it is hypothesized that lactating mothers may ingest microplastics through food, water, or inhalation, which then translocate to the mammary gland via the bloodstream.
The presence of microplastics in breast milk has raised concerns about the potential impact on infants, who are considered a vulnerable population. However, it is important to note that the advantages of breastfeeding are still considered to outweigh the potential disadvantages caused by microplastic exposure. Researchers emphasize the need for public awareness and legal action to reduce plastic pollution and promote laws that protect vulnerable populations.
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Plastic in urine and stool
Microplastics have been detected in human stool and urine samples, indicating the presence of plastic in our bodies. The detection of microplastics in these biological samples is concerning and warrants further investigation into their potential impact on human health.
The detection of microplastics in stool and urine samples is a complex process and requires advanced techniques. One common method involves utilising a 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution for digestion. Other chemicals used for sample digestion include hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric acid (HNO3), and zinc chloride (ZnCI2). Additionally, catalysts such as potassium formate (CHKO2) and Fenton reagent are employed to enhance the efficiency of the digestion process.
To collect urine specimens, individuals are typically provided with plastic, brown, graduated urine containers. These containers are often obtained from healthcare facilities or pharmacies. It is recommended to collect urine over a 24-hour period, and the containers must be labelled with the patient's name and unique identification. The start and end dates and times are also indicated to ensure proper tracking.
Collecting stool samples requires careful handling to avoid contamination. Individuals are usually provided with a small plastic container to collect the sample. It is important to avoid mixing urine with the stool sample, as it can interfere with the test results. The sample should be caught using a disposable spoon or placed on plastic wrap stretched over the toilet rim. The container should be filled halfway, securely closed, and promptly delivered to the laboratory or healthcare provider for analysis.
The detection of microplastics in stool and urine samples is a critical aspect of understanding the impact of plastic pollution on human health. While the exact mechanisms and health effects are still being studied, the presence of microplastics in our bodies underscores the importance of further research and potential mitigation strategies.
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Plastic in the human digestive tract
Plastic waste can degrade into smaller bits known as microplastics, which can inadvertently be ingested by humans. Microplastics can come from disposable bags, water bottles, clothing, and even skincare products. Studies have shown that the average person consumes an estimated 20 kg of plastic during their lifetime, with children ingesting more than 500 microplastic specks per day and adults consuming nearly 900.
Most of the microplastics consumed by humans travel through the digestive tract and are eventually excreted through stools. However, there is a concern that a small fraction of microplastics, called nanoplastics, may be able to cross the barriers of the lungs and intestines and enter the bloodstream. While the health risks of nanoplastics are not yet fully understood, their presence in the human body could potentially carry serious health risks, such as inflammation, genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and even infections, as harmful microbes like bacteria can grow on them.
There is also a possibility that microplastics could accumulate in human tissues and organs over time, causing damage. Studies have detected microplastics in human organs, tissues, and biological samples such as breast milk, stool, sputum, and urine. The presence of microplastics in breast milk is particularly concerning, as it suggests that infants may be exposed to these particles during breastfeeding.
Researchers at the University of Queensland are currently working in a plastics contamination-controlled laboratory to develop ways to detect and measure nanoplastics in the human body accurately. This research aims to determine whether fragmented plastics and plastic-associated chemicals pose a significant risk to human health. While it is challenging to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment for micro/nanoplastics due to limited data, the growing evidence of microplastic contamination in our environment and bodies underscores the importance of further investigation.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastics enter the human body through ingestion, absorption, digestion, and inhalation. Humans swallow plastic particles through contaminated food and water and breathe them in through plastic-polluted air.
The health risks of having plastics in the body are not yet fully understood. Studies have shown that microplastics can cause damage to human cells, including allergic reactions and cell death. Inhaled particles might irritate and damage the lungs, and some plastic particles contain chemicals that interfere with the body's hormones.
Plastics in the body can be detected through blood and tissue samples. Researchers at the University of Queensland are working in a plastics contamination-controlled laboratory to develop ways to detect and measure nanoplastics in the human body.
