Researchers in the UK have made a groundbreaking discovery of microplastics present in human venous tissue, raising further alarm about the dangers of plastic waste to human health.
A team from the University of Hull (UK) has just published a study revealing that microplastics have been found for the first time in human venous tissue. Five different types of microplastics were identified in samples taken from the great saphenous vein (located in the leg) of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery, according to RT.
A water sample taken from the Mediterranean Sea to study microplastics. (Photo: REUTERS)
In a press release accompanying the article published in the journal PLoS One, Professor Jeanette Rotchell stated: “We were surprised to find them. We knew microplastics were present in blood, but it was unclear whether they could cross blood vessels to enter venous tissue. This study shows they can do so.”
The researchers found that there are an average of 15 plastic particles per gram of venous tissue. This level is similar to or higher than what is found in lung and colon tissue. However, the shape and type of plastics found in venous tissue are distinctly different from those found in other organs.
The types of plastics identified in the study include alkyd resin (found in synthetic paints and varnishes), polyvinyl acetate (an adhesive used in food packaging and transport), nylon, and EVOH-EVA (used for food packaging).
Professor Rotchell emphasized: “We do not yet know the impact of this on human health.” However, she acknowledged that microplastics have been shown to cause “inflammatory responses and stress” in laboratory environments.
Previously, the research team had found that microplastics exist in blood and lung tissue. According to some estimates, 15 tons of plastic waste are dumped into the Earth’s oceans every minute. This waste breaks down into smaller microplastic particles, infiltrating the human body through the food chain and the air we breathe.
