Microplastics in Your BLOOD? (The Shocking Effects)
You’ve probably seen the headlines about microplastics lately…
These tiny plastic particles seem to be everywhere, from the food we eat to the air we breathe.
But now, a groundbreaking new study has revealed that microplastics may be lurking in a far more intimate place: your bloodstream.
And the implications for your heart health are nothing short of alarming…
The study, recently published in Environmental International, examined the whole blood of 20 healthy participants and found that a staggering 18 out of 20 samples contained 24 different types of microplastics.
Researchers used advanced techniques like microFTIR microscopy to identify the size, shape, and composition of these microplastics, providing a detailed look at the potential dangers hiding in our blood.
So, what exactly are these microplastics, and how did they end up in our bloodstream?
Microplastics are defined as synthetic plastic particles ranging from 1 micrometer to 5 millimeters in diameter. They can enter the body through ingestion or inhalation, and once in the bloodstream, they may wreak havoc on our cardiovascular system.
The study’s findings suggest that microplastics could contribute to serious heart problems, such as:
- Vascular inflammation
- Changes in blood clotting function
- Buildup of microplastics in organs
But perhaps most alarming of all, the microplastics found in this study were much larger than those observed in previous research, raising questions about the true extent of their impact on our health.
As Prof. Jeanette Rotchell, PhD, one of the study’s authors, explains, “Although other labs have identified Microplastics in the blood, they have not used microFTIR microscopy, which has the benefit of allowing us to identify the size and shape of microplastics present. This is likely to be a crucial parameter which will affect how the body interacts with the presence of these microplastics.”
So, how can you minimize your exposure to these potentially dangerous microplastics?
Experts recommend taking the following steps:
- Limit your consumption of highly processed foods, which are often packaged in plastic.
- Choose eco-friendly packaging, such as glass, stainless steel, or bamboo, whenever possible.
- Use glass or stainless-steel water bottles instead of single-use plastic ones.
While more research is needed to fully understand the impact of microplastics on our cardiovascular health, this study serves as a wake-up call about the hidden dangers lurking in our environment and our bodies.
To a future with less microplastics,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
Sources:
Rotchell, J. M., & Calaminus, S. D. (2023). Microplastics in human whole blood: Polymer types, sizes and shapes. Environmental International, 173, 107964. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2023.107964
