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Plastic particles were discovered for the first time in human samples.
Microplastic particles have now been discovered in human blood for the first time. Dutch researchers from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam analyzed blood samples from 22 anonymous donors and found plastic residues in 17 tests. The plastic particles examined in the new study have a size of only 0.0007 millimeters.
According to the study published in the journal Environment International, half of the samples contained PET plastic, which is commonly used in beverage bottles. One-third had polystyrene, which is found in food packaging. And in a quarter of the blood samples, the researchers found polyethylene, which is used to make plastic carrier bags.
“Our study is the first indication that we have polymer particles in our blood – this is a groundbreaking result,” said contributing study author and ecotoxicologist Dick Vethaak.
The researchers now want to increase the number of samples to gain further insights because how the plastic in the blood affects health still needs to be researched. It is feared that the particles could migrate through the body and settle in organs. Laboratory tests have already shown that microplastics damage human cells.
- source: krone.at/picture: futurism.com
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