Microplastic particles were detected in blood samples from 17 of 22 healthy adult volunteers in the Netherlands. The types of polymer present varied across the group, as did the concentrations. Donors 11, 12, and 13 contributed two samples, both with microplastics. For many others, one sample had microplastics and a second did not.
Health Risks Linked to Microplastics
A landmark study published in Nature has linked microplastics to serious health problems. People who had tiny plastic particles lodged in a key blood vessel were more likely to experience heart attack, stroke, or death during a three-year follow-up period. This study provides the first evidence that microplastics can cause health risks by entering the bloodstream.