We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Hidden hazards: microplastics in intravenous admixtures and their path into the body
Summary
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.
Microplastics (MPs) have been detected in all environmental spheres, from the Arctic to the deepest ocean trenches, and have also infiltrated the internal organs of the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and other exposure routes. While various commercial products have been identified as origin of MPs, leading to bans and awareness campaigns, their presence in medical treatments remains underexplored. This study investigates MPs in intravenous (IV) admixtures, which are stored in plastic containers before administration. The hypothesis suggests that prolonged storage may degrade container walls, leading to the release of MPs into the solutions. Analysis of 11 IV admixtures with the help of a stereomicroscope revealed a significant presence of fibre and fragment particles, with 99% of detected MPs measuring less than 100 µm. Polymers identified through a micro FTIR included polypropylene-polyethylene (PP-PE) copolymer, polypropylene (PP) homopolymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and polyurethane (PU). The abundance of MPs increased with storage duration, with older solutions exhibiting more surface roughness, indicating progressive degradation of plastic materials over time. These findings highlight an overlooked route of MP exposure, directly introducing these particles into the human body during medical treatments. Given the increasing use of IV therapies worldwide, further research is essential to assess the health risks posed by MPs in medical solutions. Regulatory measures should be considered to minimize contamination and ensure patient safety.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Health Risks from Microplastics in Intravenous Infusions: Evidence from Italy, Spain, and Ecuador
Researchers analyzed intravenous (IV) fluid bags and bottles from Italy, Spain, and Ecuador and found microplastics in nearly all samples, with plastic bags containing up to 299 particles per liter. This is concerning because IV fluids deliver microplastics directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the body's natural barriers, and some brands showed concentrations high enough to pose clinical risk.
Is intravenous infusion an unrecognized route for internal microplastic human exposure? A general assessment
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.
Micro(nano)plastics (< 4 μm): An important but ignored concern during intravenous infusion
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.
Identification and quantification of micro–nano-plastics in polypropylene-bottled injections
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.
Microplastic injection? Identification and quantification of plastic particles in medical injections
Scientists discovered that medical injection solutions (saline and glucose) sold in China contain an average of 895 microplastic particles per kilogram, with some samples reaching 1,840 particles. Unlike microplastics ingested through food, these particles enter the bloodstream directly through IV injection, bypassing the body's digestive barriers. This reveals a previously unrecognized pathway for microplastic exposure that could pose unique health risks for hospitalized patients.