<p>
Tiny plastic particles called Microplastic have been detected in human blood for the first time ever, giving cause for serious concern over the danger that they pose to health.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
Scientists from the Netherlands 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.</p>
<p>
According to the researchers, plastic particles can enter the human body through food and drink as well from air. Microplastic is the term for tiny plastic particles of 5 mm or less.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
&ldquo;Our study is the first indication that we have polymer particles in our blood &ndash; it&rsquo;s a breakthrough result,&rdquo; The Guardian cited Prof Dick Vethaak, an ecotoxicologist at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands, as saying.</p>
<p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vBA5KZU2IuE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>
&ldquo;But we have to extend the research and increase the sample sizes, the number of polymers assessed, etc.&rdquo; Further studies by a number of groups are already under way, he said.</p>
<p>
The research paper has been published in the journal Environment International</p>
<p>
According to the study, it remains to be determined whether plastic particles are present in the plasma or are carried by specific cell types. If plastic particles present in the bloodstream are indeed being carried by immune cells, the question also arises, can such exposures potentially affect immune regulation or the predisposition to diseases with an immunological base?</p>
<p>
The new research was funded by the Dutch National Organisation for Health Research and Development and Common Seas, a social enterprise working to reduce plastic pollution.</p>
<p>
<strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp; <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/health-news/israel-detects-new-codi-variant-157741.html">Israel detects new Covid-19 variant</a></p>
Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that the situation in Bishkek is calm and…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that enemies of the nation have to think…
In a display of solidarity, exiled Tibetans gathered in Dharamshala on Friday, demanding the release…
With the rise in mercury levels, load-sheddings in different cities of Sindh province of Pakistan…
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that the Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir…
The United Arab Emirates is emerging as a hardline critic of the Palestinian Authority at…