They pose a huge risk to heart health.
Growing evidence underscores the presence of microplastics within the human body, a concerning revelation highlighted by a recent study published in Environmental International, shedding light on the composition of microplastics detected in human blood. Examining blood samples from 20 healthy individuals, researchers uncovered a diverse array of polymer types, with most microplastics appearing as white or clear fragments.
The study’s findings not only confirm the circulation of microplastics throughout the body but also raise concerns regarding potential health implications, such as vascular inflammation and alterations in blood clotting function. Defined as synthetic plastic particles typically ranging from 1 µm to 5 mm in diameter, microplastics pose a significant risk, given their ubiquitous presence in the environment and potential pathways of exposure through ingestion or inhalation.
Prof. Jeanette Rotchell, PhD, of the University of Hull, and Simon Calaminus, PhD, of Hull York Medical School, emphasized the significance of employing microFTIR microscopy to identify the size and shape of microplastics present in blood, providing invaluable insights into their interactions within the body.
Acknowledging the potential for contamination during blood sample collection, the researchers meticulously compared procedural blank samples to discern background exposure levels. Employing a limit of quantification (LOQ) approach, they scrutinized the detected microplastics, revealing a prevalence rate of 40% among participants.
While the study offers critical insights, it also faces inherent limitations. Challenges in accounting for background contamination and estimating particle mass underscore the need for standardized protocols in microplastics research. Additionally, the utilization of quarter samples may introduce potential biases, warranting further investigation to validate findings and address methodological uncertainties.
Independent scientist Heather Leslie, PhD, based in Amsterdam, highlighted the study’s significance while urging cautious interpretation due to methodological considerations. Questions surrounding sample preparation and potential sources of contamination underscore the need for continued refinement and validation of analytical methods in microplastics research.
Despite these challenges, the study marks a crucial step in understanding the pervasive presence of microplastics in the human body, underscoring the urgency for further research to elucidate their health impacts and inform effective mitigation strategies.
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