MICROPLASTIC FOUND IN HUMAN BLOOD
Plastic is everywhere and it is causing a lot of problems. Our oceans are full of cast-off plastic that gradually degrades into smaller and smaller bits--but never goes away. Bigger bits wrap themselves around marine bodies that choke or prevent normal life. Plastic fibers go into our air or water treatment plants from plastic containing clothing. Tires are continually breaking down as they pass by waterways--contaminating the water and soil. We drink water from plastic bottles that are known to leach tiny amounts of plastic (especially if stored in the sun). Our food comes wrapped in plastics, served in polystyrene containers, and warmed in the microwave in plastic containers. We store food in plastic containers that may leach a tiny amount of plastic into our food. Despite the problems mentioned above, little research has been done to discover what effect ingesting these tiny bits of plastic might have on human health. In Feb. 2022, researchers in a Dutch University did a small study on the blood samples of 22 individuals. They discovered that 17 of the 22 had a combination of plastic polymers in their bloodstream. These polymers are used in manufacturing plastic bottles, plastic fabrics, food containers and plastic bags. We need to emphasize that this was a small study, but it was the first to show plastic bits in the bloodstream. More studies will need to be done on what damage these plastic bits potentially can do to vital organs of the body. We already know from other studies that plastics in the air can irritate the eyes, throat, and breathing. Some studies (more needed) show plastics causing inflammation, weight gain and disruption in the working of human hormones. While these studies might take years to show how these ingested plastic bits in the blood might affect any specific organ, it seems clear that we do have a multi-layered plastic problem.
What can we do? As usual, the first on the list is to reduce or eliminate plastics as much as possible in our daily lives. Just say no to one-time use plastic bags, straws, take-out containers, plastic storage containers and plastic bottles. We can avoid buying new clothing that is make with plastic fibers and wash those we still have in a manner that filters out the plastic fibers. Write to manufacturers to stop using plastic containers and be sure to recycle.
EARTH STEWARD ACTION: Most every Earth Steward is doing most of the above except, perhaps filtering out plastic fibers from washing clothes. Please see https://en.guppyfriend.com
SOURCES: Https://theplanetvoice.com/microplastics-found-in-the human0body/ , https://www.msn.com/en-us/technology/plastic-particles-found-in-human-bloodstreams-for-the-first-time-ever