A new scientific study has revealed remarkable evidence that 'micro-plastics' are deeply interacting with human bodies and can now be found freely floating in our blood.
Researchers at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the Amsterdam University Medical Center took blood samples of 22 individuals to analyse how many people had micro-plastics in their circulatory system. Amazingly, 80%, 4 out of 5, of those tested showed micro-plastics with common synthetic polymers of over 700 nanometres in length.
The micro-plastics that were found in the blood included styrene polymers that are commonly found in vehicle parts and food containers, as well as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is used in plastic drinks bottles and clothing.
The average amount found in the human body was 1.6 micrograms of microplastics for every millilitre of blood, though one individual had in excess of 7 micrograms in their system.
Worryingly, as these plastics have only been in common usage for a few decades, we have no idea how these micro-plastics may be affecting the human body. Some previous studies have suggested that the body has trouble removing these and they can accumulate over time, and further, that microplastics might even be able to be passed through generations.
Some worry that micro-plastic contamination can cause infertility, lower testosterone, as well as interference with the brain, however, no studies have proven conclusive and much more research needs to be undertaken.
It is believed that many of the micro-plastics that enter our system are coming from water contaminated with broken down plastics, as well as plastic drinking bottles that may look new, but which are already dissolving into the liquid they contain. It is also suggested that micro-plastics may be released from plastic food containers that are heated, which then contaminate the food that is being eaten.
Dick Vethaak, an ecotoxicologist at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, told The Guardian:
"Our study is the first indication that we have polymer particles in our blood – it's a breakthrough result. But we have to extend the research and increase the sample sizes, the number of polymers assessed, etc."
Adding:
"It is certainly reasonable to be concerned. The particles are there and are transported throughout the body. The big question is what is happening in our body? Are the particles retained in the body? Are they transported to certain organs, such as getting past the blood-brain barrier? And are these levels sufficiently high to trigger disease? We urgently need to fund further research so we can find out."
[Based on reporting by: science alert]
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