Plastic was found in human blood for the first time!

For the first time, the presence of polluting plastics was found in human blood. Researchers in the Netherlands tested the blood of an unidentified group of donors and found microscopic plastic particles in about 80 percent of the samples.

The results of this study in the Netherlands are considered significant because they show that microplastics can move inside the human body and also take up space in vital organs.

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are less than one-fifth of an inch or less than five millimeters in diameter. Scientists have yet to confirm the long-term effects of such plastics on the human body. However, they have already expressed deep concern over the growing plastic pollution around the world.

According to the Environmental International Journal, NDTV reports that Dutch researchers tested the blood of 22 unidentified donors and identified microplastics in the blood of 17 people. Half of these samples contained PET or polyethylene terephthalate, which is commonly used to make a variety of beverage bottles. In addition, 36 percent of the samples contained polystyrene, which is widely used in food packaging. The presence of polyethylene was detected in 23 percent of the samples. Polyethylene is commonly used to make films, bags, etc.

The amount of microplastics found in the study samples in the Netherlands is 1.6 micrograms. That is, 1.6 micrograms of plastic was found in every milliliter of blood. This amount of plastic sounds low, but its presence in the blood is a cause for concern.

Dick Fethak, a professor of ecotoxicology at Flynn University in Amsterdam and lead author of the research paper, told The Guardian that it was logical to be concerned. There are these (plastic) particles in the blood and they are being transported throughout the body. The study found "groundbreaking results", he said, adding that now the size of the sample and the number of polymers tested need to be increased.

Researchers say that plastic particles from food and drink can enter the human body. Similarly, plastic can enter the body from the atmosphere. The presence of plastic in the body can cause regular inflammation.

Professor Dick Fethak said that the concentration of microplastics is higher inside the house than outside. That's why I also cover food and drink so that the presence of plastic particles is less.

According to the Daily Mail, microplastics have previously been found in the human brain, nerves and fetal bodies, but this is the first time microplastics have been detected in the blood.