Scientists have for the first time detected the presence of tiny particles of plastic in human blood. Blood microplastics: In seventeen of the 22 test subjects, so-called microplastics were found in blood tests. The research (.pdf) was carried out by scientists from the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam.
It has previously been shown that people can ingest microplastics through food and water and that the particles can be present in feces and even in the placenta. It was much more difficult to demonstrate in blood. This has to do, among other things, with the research material. Plastic containers could disrupt the measurements. That is why special glassware was made for the research. Remove PFAS, Mercury, Lead and Chlorine from your tap water with the AzurAqua® Water Pitcher with Filter PRO.
PET plastic was detected in half of the samples taken. Plastic bottles are made from this, among other things. In a third of the cases, polystyrene was used, which is used, for example, for food packaging.
It is still unknown how harmful the presence of the particles is. But the presence in itself is cause for concern, says analytical chemist Marja Lamoree, professor at the Vrije Universiteit. She is one of the lead researchers. “You can compare it a bit with seeing a polar bear from a boat. The polar bear doesn't do anything to you from a distance," said Lamoree in the NPO Radio 1 program News and Co. “But if you unexpectedly end up near the polar bear, it's a different story.”
Whether something is harmful to people therefore depends on two factors: whether a person has been exposed to a potentially harmful substance at all and what effect that substance has on the human body. The researchers conclude that the first factor has now been met.
In laboratory studies there have already been clues found that microplastics can damage human cells. The result in practice may be different than in the laboratory study, for example because a microplastic is present in the body for too short a time to cause damage.
Source: NOS