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Direct entry of micro(nano)plastics into human blood circulatory system by intravenous infusion
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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.
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This study systematically evaluated factors affecting micro(nano)plastic (MNP) release from medical infusion products during intravenous therapy. Results indicated that MNPs are released into IV fluid at measurable levels, potentially delivering plastic particles directly into the bloodstream of patients.
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This study found that common medical devices used for intravenous injections -- syringes, infusion sets, and vein needles -- release microplastics directly into patients' bloodstreams. The dominant particles were polyethylene and polypropylene fragments, and repeated use of devices significantly increased the amount released. While the total number of particles entering the body this way is lower than from food, the direct injection into blood makes this exposure pathway especially concerning.
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Researchers examined 16 batches of intravenous (IV) fluids packaged in polypropylene plastic bottles and found microplastic and nanoplastic particles in all of them, with concentrations reaching up to 10 million particles per milliliter. This is the first study to confirm that patients receiving IV infusions are being directly exposed to microplastics entering their bloodstream, though whether this causes harm remains to be studied.
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This study measured the microplastics released by standard intravenous infusion equipment and found approximately 7,500 polypropylene particles per liter of fluid, with most particles between 1 and 20 micrometers in size. Standard filtration built into these medical devices does not fully prevent microplastic contamination. Since these particles enter the bloodstream directly, even small amounts could accumulate in organs like the liver, spleen, and lungs over time.
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