Scientists have done a lot of research and are shocked to find tiny particles in human blood, and it turns out we humans are responsible for this unsettling discovery.
They found that about 80% of the people in the study had these tiny particles in their blood, which come from the air and can be found everywhere, from the top of Mount Everest to the deepest parts of the ocean.
It’s not surprising that both humans and animals are ingesting tiny bits of plastic through the food and water we consume, especially since our planet is so polluted and filled with waste. These particles have even been found in the poop of both adults and babies.
The research findings reveal that out of 22 healthy people, half of their blood samples showed traces of plastic. Specifically, 17 samples tested positive for PET plastic, which is often found in drink bottles. Additionally, about one-third of the samples had polystyrene, a type of plastic used for food packaging, and 25% contained polyethylene, which is the most widely produced plastic.
Professor Dick Vethaak, an ecotoxicologist from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands, shared his thoughts on the study’s results. He said, “This is the first time we’ve found polymer particles in human blood – it’s a significant discovery. However, we need to do more research and look at larger sample sizes and different types of plastics.”
This is only the beginning, and more studies need to be done.
Vethaak mentioned in a conversation with the Guardian, “It makes sense to be worried. The particles exist and can move around in the body.”
He also pointed out, “We know that babies and young kids are more at risk from chemicals and particles. That really concerns me.”
The amount of plastic particles found in the blood samples of the people in the study was different for each participant. Since this is the first study of its kind, we still have a lot to learn about what this could mean for humans in the future.
Vethaak raised an important question: “What is really happening inside our bodies?” He wondered if these particles stay in our bodies or if they move to specific organs, like whether they can cross the blood-brain barrier. He also asked if the levels of these particles are high enough to cause diseases. It’s really important that we get more funding for research to find out more.
In another paper, Professor Vethaak discussed the cancer risks. He emphasized that we need more in-depth studies on how micro- and nano-plastics impact our body’s structures and functions, and whether they can change cells and lead to cancer. He pointed out that with plastic production increasing so rapidly, this issue is becoming more urgent every day.
This is a really big deal and it should make everyone realize that we need to take action right now about air pollution and how we throw away our trash. Our planet is struggling because of us, and we have to do something about it quickly!
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