Micro-plastics found in most people's blood: Should we be worried?

Vocabulary

• packaging (Noun)

  • Definition: materials used to cover or protect goods.

  • Example: I think this type of packaging can be recycled.

• organ (Noun)

  • Definition: a part of a living thing that is self-contained and has a specific and important function.

  • Example: After the skin, the liver is the largest organ in the body.

• placenta (Noun)

  • Definition: an organ within the uterus that forms during pregnancy.

  • Example: Developing fetuses get oxygen from the placenta.

  
  

• particle (Noun)

  • Definition: an extremely small piece of something.

  • Example: Wearing a face mask can protect you from dust particles when working with wood.

  
  

• limit (Verb)

  • Definition: to stop something from being above a particular amount, level, etc.

  • Example: You should limit the amount of sugar you eat.

  
  

• transport (Verb)

  • Definition: to move something from one place to another.

  • Example: The accident victims were transported to the hospital by helicopter.

Tiny Plastics Found in Human Blood for the First Time

For the first time, scientists have detected microplastics in human blood, which raises concerns that these small plastic pieces could circulate through the body and harm our organs.

Microplastics—plastic pieces smaller than 5 millimeters—have been located in every part of the world that we've investigated, from Antarctica to the summit of Mount Everest. They've also, recently, been identified in our food, the air we breathe, and the water we drink. Now, it looks like they are also in our bloodstream.

Researchers at a University in Amsterdam examined 22 healthy individuals and discovered that 17 had plastic in their blood—nearly 80% of the participant pool.

Half of the participants' blood contained PET plastic, used in the production of beverage bottles. About one-third of the participants' blood contained styrene-based plastics, including polystyrene, which is employed in manufacturing electronics, toys, food packaging, and various other products. Just under a quarter had polyethylene in their blood, which is utilized in making plastic shopping bags.

While the varieties and quantities differed significantly among participants, they averaged 1.6 micrograms of plastic per milliliter of blood. This is about one teaspoon of plastic in 10 bathtubs full of water, as reported by Business Insider.

"The main concern is what occurs within our bodies?" study author Dick Vethaak told The Guardian. "How long do these plastics remain in our systems? Could these fragments move to our organs—and will they cause illness?" Vethaak explained that we must do further research as soon as possible.

A study from January 2021 already revealed the presence of microplastics in the placentas of pregnant women. Furthermore, an August 2021 laboratory study of blood cells found that microplastics can get stuck to red blood cells, which could limit their ability to carry oxygen.

Reflection Questions

1. Are you shocked that 80% of people have plastic in their blood?

2. Are you worried about the health impacts of microplastics?

3. would you like to stop using plastic? Do you think it is even possible?

4. Do you know anyone who faints when they see blood?

5. What single-use plastic items would you like to see banned in your country?