Microplastics are increasingly pervasive in the environment and have recently been found in human blood. ⁤⁤This study from Leonard et al. ⁤⁤examined the types, sizes, and shapes of microplastics found in the blood of 20 healthy volunteers. ⁤⁤Plastic particles were detected in 90% of participants, with 24 different polymer types identified. ⁤⁤The concentration observed in the participants blood ranged from 1.84 to 4.65 µg/mL, with polyethylene, ethylene propylene diene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate/alcohol being the most common. ⁤⁤The particles were primarily fragments, with a mean length of 127.99 µm and width of 57.88 µm. ⁤⁤Additionally, plastic additive chemicals including endocrine-disrupting phthalates were found. ⁤⁤The presence of microplastics in blood raises concerns about potential health impacts including vascular inflammation, thrombosis, accumulation of these plastics within organs, as well as changes to the immune response and haemostasis.

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[Source: Environment International, May 14th 2024.]