We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Evaluation of Microplastic Content in Human Circulatory System and Its Potential Impacts on Systemic Health
Summary
Researchers detected microplastics in blood samples from 76% of 50 healthy adults using FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, with an average concentration of about 3 particles per milliliter. PET and polypropylene were the most common polymer types found, and the study discusses potential systemic health implications of circulating microplastics in the human body.
Given the escalating global production of plastics and the absence of regulatory frameworks addressing internal human exposure, microplastic contamination has emerged as an urgent environmental and public health policy concern.Using micro Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, MPs were detected in 76.0% of samples collected from 50 healthy adults, with an average concentration of 3.15 ± 1.25 particles/mL and a mean particle size of 5.8 ± 2.1 μm. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) were the dominant polymer types, while fragments and fibers represented the most common morphologies. Correlation analyses revealed significant positive associations between total MP concentration and inflammatory biomarkers C-reactive protein (r = +0.415, p = 0.003) and interleukin-6 (r = +0.288, p = 0.043) as well as oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (r = +0.350, p = 0.013), suggesting that MPs may contribute to subclinical systemic inflammation and oxidative imbalance. These findings provide empirical evidence supporting the systemic circulation of MPs and their potential role as low-grade biological stressors that could influence vascular homeostasis. Further longitudinal and mechanistic studies are warranted to elucidate causal pathways, characterize nanoplastic fractions, and establish standardized analytical protocols. This research underscores the growing necessity to treat microplastic exposure as a critical environmental and public health issue.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in human blood: Polymer types, concentrations and characterisation using μFTIR
Scientists analyzed blood from 20 healthy volunteers and found microplastics in 90% of samples, identifying 24 different plastic types including many reported for the first time in blood. The particles were mostly small fragments averaging about 128 micrometers long, and the study also detected hormone-disrupting chemicals called phthalates attached to the plastics. This adds to growing evidence that a wide variety of plastic particles are circulating in human blood.
Quantitation of micro and nanoplastics in human blood by pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Researchers developed and validated an improved method using pyrolysis-gas chromatography to measure specific plastic polymer types in human blood, detecting plastics in 64 out of 68 blood samples tested with a mean concentration of 268 nanograms per milliliter. Polyethylene was the most common polymer found, underscoring that microplastic and nanoplastic particles are already circulating inside the human body.
Microplastic particles in human blood and their association with coagulation markers
In a study of 36 healthy adults, microplastics were detected in the blood of 89% of participants, with polypropylene and polyethylene being the most common types found. Higher microplastic levels were associated with changes in blood clotting markers, suggesting that plastic particles in our bloodstream may affect how our blood coagulates, though larger studies are needed to confirm this link.
Study of Microplastics in Human Blood
This study reviewed findings on microplastic contamination in human blood, noting that particles have been detected in the majority of samples tested, while the health consequences remain unclear and warrant urgent further investigation.
Polymer-Specific Quantification of Circulating Microplastics in Healthy and Immunocompromised Individuals
Scientists found tiny plastic particles in the blood of all people they tested, but people with weakened immune systems had slightly higher levels than healthy people. The plastic pieces likely come from everyday items and medical equipment, and people with compromised immune systems may have trouble clearing them from their bodies. This research shows that microplastics are now circulating in human blood, though we still don't know what health effects this might have.