Maya Ellison
Plastic waste is everywhere, from the deepest oceans to the summit of Mount Everest. We eat, drink, and breathe it every day, and it is building up in our digestive systems, organs, and blood. A recent study found microplastics in the blood of 17 out of 22 healthy adults, indicating that plastic particles can travel throughout the body and may lodge in organs. While the health risks of this revelation are still unknown, researchers are concerned as microplastics have been shown to cause damage to human cells in the laboratory. With plastic production set to double by 2040, it is urgent that we address this issue and reduce plastic pollution to prevent further harm to human health and the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Microplastics found in human blood | First detected in 2022 |
| Number of people tested | 22 |
| Number of people with plastic in their blood | 17 (77%) |
| Average plastic consumption per person per week | 5 grams |
| Types of plastic found in blood samples | Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene, polyethylene, poly(methyl methacrylate), polypropylene |
| Potential sources of plastic in the bloodstream | Air, food, water, personal care products, dental polymers, tattoo ink residues |
| Health risks | Unknown, further research is needed |
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What You'll Learn
Microplastics found in human blood for the first time
Microplastics have been detected in human blood for the first time, with scientists finding the tiny particles in almost 80% of people tested. The discovery, published in the peer-reviewed journal Environment International, reveals that microplastics can travel throughout the body and may lodge in organs.
The study analysed blood samples from 22 anonymous donors, all healthy adults, and found plastic particles in 17, or about 77%. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), used in water bottles and food containers, was the most common type found, followed by polystyrene, used in packaging.
While the health impact of microplastics in the blood is unknown, researchers are concerned as microplastics have been shown to damage human cells in the laboratory, and air pollution particles are already linked to millions of early deaths annually. Previous studies have found microplastics in human feces, but it was unclear if they could cross into the bloodstream.
The presence of microplastics in human blood underscores the widespread nature of plastic pollution, with the tiny particles contaminating the entire planet, from Mount Everest to the deepest oceans. People are known to consume microplastics via food, water, and air, and they have been detected in the placentas of pregnant women, raising concerns about potential effects on fetuses.
Further research is urgently needed to understand the health risks associated with microplastics in the bloodstream and to address the growing problem of plastic pollution.
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How microplastics enter the human body
Microplastics, plastic particles smaller than 5mm, are everywhere and are entering our bodies in a variety of ways. They are consumed when we eat seafood, as they are present in fish muscle, and they are in our drinking water, whether from the tap or bottled. They are also in the air we breathe, with concentrations of 3 to 15 particles per cubic meter of air found in indoor air in Paris.
Microplastics are also intentionally added to cosmetics and personal care products, such as face scrubs, toothpastes, and shower gels, for their cleansing and exfoliating properties. When washed off, these microplastics enter the sewage system and can end up in the treated water released into waterways.
In addition, microplastics can enter our bodies through the food chain. They accumulate in marine zooplankton, which is the lowest level of the food chain, and can potentially be transmitted intergenerationally.
Finally, microplastics can also enter the body through inhalation. A study found microplastic particles in 11 out of 13 samples of human lung tissue, suggesting that inhalation is a significant route for microplastic entry into the body.
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The health risks of microplastics in the human body
Plastic is everywhere—from the deepest place on the planet, the Mariana Trench, to the top of Mount Everest. It is in most home appliances, flooring, clothes, and food. Given this, it is not surprising that microplastics have been found in human blood. A study of 22 people found that 77% had measurable amounts of plastic in their blood.
Microplastics are plastic pieces less than 5 millimeters across. They are prevalent in the environment and have been detected in the air, soil, water, and food that humans consume. Oral intake, inhalation, and skin contact are the common exposure routes. Once in the body, microplastics can accumulate in the organs and blood and may trigger an immune response or cause local particle toxicity. Chronic exposure may lead to further problems through accumulation in the body.
Several studies have observed detrimental health effects in experimental models, suggesting an increased risk for various inflammatory-related diseases. For example, exposure to microplastics has been shown to impair intestinal barrier and metabolic function in mice and reduce lipid digestion in a simulated human gastrointestinal system. In fish, microplastics have been found to cause local infection and lipid accumulation in the liver and disrupt energy metabolism.
However, it is important to note that the specific health risks of microplastics in the human body are still unclear. More epidemiological and clinical data are needed to establish a definitive link between microplastic exposure and adverse health outcomes. While the presence of plastic in the human body is concerning, further research is required to fully understand the potential health implications.
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The amount of plastic in human blood
Plastic has been found in human blood for the first time, with almost 80% of people tested having a measurable amount of plastic in their blood. This discovery shows that plastic particles can travel around the body and may lodge in organs. The impact on health is as yet unknown, but researchers are concerned as microplastics have been found to damage human cells in the laboratory.
The study, which included 22 anonymous donors, all healthy adults, found plastic particles in 17 of the samples. The mean concentration of plastic particles in the blood was 1.6 µg/ml. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was the most common type found, followed by polystyrene. PET is used in water bottles and other food and beverage containers, while polystyrene is used in packaging like Styrofoam.
The discovery of plastic in human blood is alarming but not surprising, given the ubiquitous presence of plastic in the environment and the food chain. People are exposed to plastic through the ingestion of food and water and the inhalation of air. Previous studies have also found plastic particles in human feces, indicating that plastic is being ingested and passing through the digestive system.
While the health effects of plastic in the blood are unknown, the presence of plastic in the body is a concern and highlights the need to reduce plastic pollution. More research is needed to understand the exposure and hazards of plastic particles in the human body and to determine whether plastic particle exposure is a public health risk.
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How to avoid ingesting plastic
Microplastics are everywhere, from the food we eat to the water we drink and even the air we breathe. While it is impossible to completely avoid ingesting plastic, there are several ways to reduce your exposure.
One of the most significant sources of microplastics is bottled water. Studies have found that bottled water contains more microplastics than tap water, with an average of 240,000 plastic particles per litre. Switching to filtered tap water can significantly reduce your microplastic intake. Boiling and then filtering tap water can remove up to 90% of plastic particles, but be cautious as this can also increase the leaching of toxic chemicals.
Single-use plastics and plastic food packaging are other major sources of microplastics. It is recommended to limit the use of single-use plastics and avoid reusing them for food storage or reheating. Opt for reusable alternatives like glass or ceramic containers, and avoid heating food or water in plastic, including microwaving and dishwashing, as heat accelerates plastic degradation and causes the release of harmful chemicals.
Additionally, highly processed foods have been found to contain significantly more microplastics than minimally processed foods. Breaded shrimp and processed chicken nuggets were found to have high concentrations of plastic particles. Choosing fresh, whole foods over highly processed options can help reduce microplastic intake.
Other tips to reduce plastic ingestion include using loose-leaf tea instead of plastic tea bags, avoiding plastic utensils and storage containers, and reducing overall plastic usage. While it is challenging to eliminate all plastic exposure, implementing these changes can help minimise potential health risks associated with microplastic ingestion.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there might be. Scientists have recently found microplastics in human blood for the first time.
There are several ways the plastics may have entered your bloodstream — via air, food, water, personal care products such as toothpaste and lip gloss, dental polymers, and tattoo ink residues.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), used in drinks bottles, was the most common type found. Polystyrene, used in food packaging, was the second most common. Polyethylene, from which plastic carrier bags are made, was also found.
Microplastics are specks of plastic less than 5mm in any dimension, many of which are invisible to the naked eye. There are two types: primary microplastics, which are particles used in some cosmetics, and secondary microplastics, which come from the breakdown of larger plastic items.
The health risks of having plastic in your bloodstream remain largely unclear. However, researchers are concerned as microplastics have been shown to cause damage to human cells in the laboratory, and air pollution particles are already known to cause millions of early deaths annually.
