Experts find nine types of microplastic in every sample from human guts
- Sources could include the eating of fish or drinking from plastic bottles
- The smallest microplastic particles are capable of entering the bloodstream
- Research was a pilot study involving eight participants. Each one kept a food diary for a week
Human bodies are becoming polluted with plastic, scientists have confirmed for the first time.
Tiny pieces were found in samples from every participant in an experiment which tried to estimate how much plastic we eat and drink every day.
Until now most research has focused on the natural world, but the new study shows that humans are also consuming plastic, with some pieces potentially lodging in our bodies.
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Researchers spoke last night of their surprise at finding so many particles in the human samples. They suggested sources could include the eating of fish or drinking from plastic bottles.
Campaigners said the scale of the plastic crisis meant it was ‘impossible’ for people to avoid eating, drinking and breathing in plastic – with potentially harmful effects. These include the risk of bacterial infections, introducing harmful chemicals to the body, irritating the gut lining, and affecting immune responses.
Lead researcher Dr Philipp Schwabl said: ‘This is the first study of its kind and confirms what we have long suspected – that plastics ultimately reach the human gut. Of particular concern is what this means to us, and especially patients with gastrointestinal diseases.
The smallest microplastic particles are capable of entering the bloodstream and lymphatic system and may even reach the liver.
‘Now that we have first evidence for microplastics inside humans, we need further research to understand what this means for human health.’
Hundreds of pieces of microplastics were found in every stool sample taken from people who took part in the study by the Medical University of Vienna.
Researchers from the university and the Environment Agency Austria monitored participants from the UK, Finland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, and Austria. The results showed every sample tested positive for […]
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