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Direct entry of micro(nano)plastics into human blood circulatory system by intravenous infusion
Summary
Researchers found that standard intravenous infusion products release approximately 0.52 micrograms (up to 10^11 particles) of polyvinyl chloride micro- and nanoplastics per 250 mL infusion directly into the bloodstream. Using analytical methods sensitive down to 20 nm particles, the study identifies intravenous infusion as a previously overlooked but significant pathway for direct human exposure to microplastics.
Understanding the pathways of human exposure to micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) is crucial for assessing their health impacts. Intravenous infusion can induce MNPs direct entry into the human blood, posing serious risks on human health, but remains unclear. Herein, we developed comprehensive analytical methods to detect polyvinyl chloride (PVC) MNPs down to 20 nm, and found about 0.52 μg equal to 105-1011 particles of PVC-MNPs released from intravenous infusion products (IVIPs) during each intravenous infusion of 250 mL injection. The released amounts of MNPs from IVIPs were dependent on the plastic materials, and the injection volume and composition. These findings indicated that the released MNPs should be directly introduced into the human blood circulatory system, causing serious impacts on human health. Our study reveals a previously ignored but important pathway of human exposure to MNPs, and calls for further research on the potential risks of these MNPs on human health.