Discovery and quantification of plastic particle pollution in human blood.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional human biomonitoring study without a comparative control group.
PubMed 35367073 · doi:10.1016/j.envint.2022.107199
What was done
Researchers developed an analytical method using double-shot pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to measure plastic particles ≥700 nm in whole blood samples from 22 healthy human volunteers. They evaluated five high-production-volume polymers: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene, styrene polymers, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and polypropylene.
What was found
Plastic particles were detected and quantified in human blood for the first time. PET, polyethylene, and styrene polymers were most widely encountered, followed by PMMA, while polypropylene was below the limit of quantification. Across the donor cohort, the mean sum quantifiable concentration of plastic particles in blood was 1.6 µg/ml.
Why it matters
This study provides proof-of-concept evidence that plastic particles from the environment are bioavailable and can enter the systemic circulation in humans, establishing an analytical foundation for assessing internal exposure risks.
Limits
The sample size was very small (n = 22 healthy volunteers), limiting generalizability. The method only captured particles ≥700 nm, omitting smaller nanoplastics, and the study did not measure clinical health outcomes, exposure sources, or toxicological clearance.
Cited by
- supports Microplastics have been detected and measured in human blood, placentas, seminal fluid, and breast milk.