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Microplastics and nanoplastics in haemodialysis waters: Emerging threats to be in our radar
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This study investigated whether kidney dialysis patients are being exposed to micro and nanoplastics during their treatments, since they process 300 to 600 liters of water per week. The researchers found several potential contamination points in the dialysis process and estimated that even with 99% filtration, plastic particles could still reach patients' kidneys. This is especially concerning because dialysis patients already have compromised kidney function and may be more vulnerable to plastic particle exposure.
Microplastics are present in the environment, in drinking water, in human blood and there is evidence of nanoplastics in tap water. The objective of this work was to analyze the possibility of hemodialysis patients being contaminated by micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) during dialysis treatment. The motivation for this investigation is the fact that hemodialysis patients use about 300-600 L of drinking water per week, which may be contaminated by MNPs. A literature review, a field investigation in a London hospital and an estimation of MNPs intake in patients were carried out. The results showed potential points of risk of contamination of patients by MNPs in hemodialysis. It was also estimated that for a filtration efficiency of 99 % for MNPs, the amount of microplastics that can penetrate the kidneys of patients is 0.0021-3768 particles/week. The assessment concludes that hemodialysis patients are at high risk of MNP contamination.
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Micro- and nanoplastics and the kidney: human evidence, clinical vulnerabilities, dialysis-related exposure, and CKD
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Tiny plastic particles have been found in human kidneys, blood, and urine, and this review pulls together existing research suggesting these particles—along with chemicals like BPA and PFAS often found in plastics—may be linked to kidney damage, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease. People on dialysis may face extra exposure because their blood repeatedly contacts plastic tubing and filters during treatment, making them an important group to study further. While the science is still developing, this research highlights why reducing plastic exposure and rethinking medical device materials could matter for protecting kidney health, especially in vulnerable patients.
Unveiling hidden contaminants: a systematic quantification and characterization of microplastics in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis fluids
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Researchers systematically analyzed hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis fluids for microplastic contamination and found plastic particles, predominantly fibers, in all tested samples. The microplastics were identified using advanced spectroscopic techniques and included polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene. The findings raise concerns about chronic microplastic exposure in dialysis patients, who are exposed to large volumes of these fluids over time.
Improving Outcomes Requires Understanding the Problem
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This commentary highlights that hemodialysis may inadvertently introduce microplastics and nanoplastics into patients' bloodstreams through the dialysis circuit, compounding the solute dysregulation already present in kidney failure. The authors call for deeper investigation into dialysis-related contaminant exposure alongside uremic solute research, noting that emerging evidence links plastic particles to cardiovascular risks.
Microplastic entry into bloodstream via hemodialysis: A dual-simulation clinical study
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Researchers measured microplastics in the blood of nine patients before and after hemodialysis, finding that particle counts nearly doubled post-procedure, with polymer types matching dialysis tubing materials — suggesting medical plastic devices are a direct route of microplastic entry into the bloodstream.
Microplastic Accumulation in Arteriovenous Fistulas (AVF) of Dialysis Patients
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Researchers found tiny plastic particles, called microplastics, built up in the blood vessel access points used for dialysis in kidney patients. This suggests microplastics from our environment can accumulate inside the human body, raising questions about whether they might affect blood vessel health, especially in people who rely on medical devices like dialysis access ports.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.