We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Micro(nano)plastics (< 4 μm): An important but ignored concern during intravenous infusion
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that common IV bags, tubes, and syringes release thousands of tiny plastic particles directly into the bloodstream during routine medical treatments. The particles, smaller than 4 micrometers, included types like PVC and polypropylene and were found in nearly all tested infusion products. This is a significant finding because it identifies a previously overlooked source of microplastic exposure that bypasses the body's natural barriers entirely.
Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) have been observed in human blood, and atheroma, and they are associated with cardiovascular events. However, their sources remain poorly understood. Intravenous infusion products (IVIPs) might introduce MNPs directly into the human blood, which threatens health, but they remain unknown. Herein, simulated intravenous therapy was performed to detect multiple MNPs with sizes < 4 μm released from commonly used IVIPs through established analytical methods such as modified Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Results showed that polypropylene- and polyvinyl chloride- MNPs were identified from six different IVIPs during intravenous therapy via modified Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, SEM-EDS analysis observed irregular or near-spherical MNPs ranging from 10 nm to 3.6 μm, with a number concentration of (5.82 ± 0.86) × 10 items/L during intravenous therapy. These MNPs could directly enter the human blood with infusion fluids via intravenous therapy, posing serious risks to human health and affecting the safe use of IVIPs. Overall, these findings revealed that intravenous therapy could introduce MNPs, especially nanoplastics, directly into the human blood, highlighting the importance of considering MNPs in evaluating the safety of IVIPs.
More Papers Like This
Hidden hazards: microplastics in intravenous admixtures and their path into the body
AI summary Read the abstract
This study investigated microplastic contamination in intravenous (IV) fluid bags used in hospitals, finding that prolonged storage in plastic containers leads to microplastic particles leaching into the solution. This means patients receiving IV treatments may be exposed to microplastics that enter the bloodstream directly, bypassing the body's natural barriers. The findings highlight an overlooked route of microplastic exposure in medical settings that needs further investigation.
Factors affecting micro(nano)plastic release during intravenous therapy: Direct blood exposure.
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Identification and quantification of micro–nano-plastics in polypropylene-bottled injections
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Is intravenous infusion an unrecognized route for internal microplastic human exposure? A general assessment
AI summary Read the abstract
This study discovered that microplastics are present in intravenous (IV) infusion products used in hospitals, identifying a previously unrecognized route of microplastic exposure that bypasses the body's natural barriers. Standard IV filters removed some but not all of the plastic particles. This finding is important because IV-delivered microplastics go directly into the bloodstream, potentially posing a greater risk than microplastics that are eaten or inhaled.
Quantitative analysis of microplastics and nanoplastics released from disposable PVC infusion tubes
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured the micro and nanoplastics released from brand-new disposable PVC infusion tubes used in hospitals, finding that each tube carries nearly 1,000 microplastic particles before any fluid even passes through. When infusion fluids were run through the tubes, they picked up additional particles, with the amount increasing at higher temperatures and longer durations. This means patients receiving IV fluids may be exposed to PVC plastic particles that enter directly into their bloodstream.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.