Context
Microplastic pollution has been detected in human blood for the first time, with scientists finding the tiny particles in almost 80% of the people tested.
Key-highlights of the findings
- The scientists analysed blood samples from 22 anonymous donors, all healthy adults and found plastic particles in 17.
- Half the samples contained PET plastic, which is commonly used in drinks bottles, while a third contained polystyrene, used for packaging food and other products.
- A quarter of the blood samples contained polyethylene, from which plastic carrier bags are made.
What is microplastic?
- Microplastics are plastic pieces that measure less than five millimetres.
- Some microplastics have been made small intentionally, for example industrial abrasives used in sandblasting and microbeads in facial scrubs.
- Others have formed by breaking away from larger plastics such as carrier bags which have fragmented over time.
Sources of microplastic
- Microplastics enter the water system from two main sources.
Run-off from land-based sources which include:
- landfill
- the breakdown of road-marking paints
- debris from tyre wear
- abrasion of synthetic products such as footwear and artificial turf
- agricultural run-off, particularly sewage sludge and agricultural plastic such as mulching
Wastewater overflow (both treated and untreated), including:
- microplastic fibres released when washing synthetic clothes
- breakdown of larger plastics in river catchments
- cosmetic microbeads
- fragments of large products that are flushed down the toilet when they shouldn't be, such as sanitary pads and wet wipes
Other sources of microplastic in water include atmospheric pollution, sewers and industrial overflows. Everyday occurrences also contribute, such as degrading construction materials and clothes drying on a washing line.
