Microplastics in Human Blood

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Microplastics in Human Blood

The Smithsonian Magazine recently reported about a study that discovered microplastics in human blood. Healthy adult volunteers donated blood samples were obtained. And of all the blood samples, seventy percent had microplastics.

Research

There were two types of microplastics that made up over eighty percent of the total sample. The most prevalent microplastic found in more than half of the samples was PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Polystyrene (PS) was the second most common type.

  • PET – disposable water bottles
  • PS – food packaging

 According to the research, exposure may have occurred by the following means:

  • Air
  • Water
  • Food
  • Toothpaste
  • Lip gloss
  • Dental polymers
  • Implants
  • Tattoo ink residue

Risks

The health risk of having microplastics in our blood is unknown currently. Researchers are working to better understand how microplastics affect the human body.

 Actions

The two most common plastics found in human blood are single-use plastics. We have known the harm of single-use plastics for years. The best practice is to stop using disposable plastic products.

Sources:

Osborne, Margaret.  “Microplastics detected in human blood in new study. The Smithsonian Magazine. March 28, 2022. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/microplastics-detected-in-human-blood-180979826/

Bradley, Amy. “Durable, Reusable, Eco-Friendly Products.” Viridescence. September 04, 2018. https://www.viridescence.us/2018/09/durable-reusable-eco-friendly-products.html

Bradley, Amy. “Single-Use plastic harms the environment.” Viridescence. June 27. 2021 https://www.viridescence.us/2021/06/single-use-plastic-harms-environment.html

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