For the first time, microplastics have been detected in the human bloodstream. Environment International, a journal specializing in the field of public and environmental health sciences, has published a study wherein 17 of 22 participants—a strikingly large majority—were found to have tiny plastic particles in their blood:
This pioneering human biomonitoring study demonstrated that plastic particles are bioavailable for uptake into the human bloodstream. An understanding of the exposure of these substances in humans and the associated hazard of such exposure is needed to determine whether or not plastic particle exposure is a public health risk.
One of the researchers responsible for this study, A. Dick Vethaak, Professor of Ecotoxicology at the Free University of Amsterdam, characterized the research as “certainly alarming because it shows that people apparently ingest or inhale so much plastic that it can be found in the bloodstream.”
These particles can cause chronic inflammation as well as mimic estrogen in the body.
Dick Vethaak also discussed ways to limit exposure:
My family tries to avoid the use of single-use plastics as much as possible, especially food contact plastics—food and drinks packaged in plastics. … Good ventilation of the house is important because microplastic concentrations appear to be higher indoors than outdoors. I also cover my food and drinks to reduce the deposition of plastic particles. … There are several things you can do to reduce exposure to plastic particles.
Microplastics were also recently detected deep in the lungs of subjects for the first time, and have already been found at remote heights, such as in the Himalayas.
It is for future research to determine how these particles can be evacuated from the body, and what the full scope of their effects are. On the other hand, it is for policy-makers and civil society to eliminate the use of plastic in contexts and at levels that have a negative impact on public health.
