Discovery and quantification of plastic particle pollution in human blood
Year of Publication
2022
This study’s goal was to develop a robust and sensitive sampling and analytical method with double shot pyrolysis - gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and apply it to measure plastic particles ≥700 nm in human whole blood from 22 healthy volunteers.
Source:
Science Direct
Author(s):
Heather A. Leslie, Martin J.M. van Velzen, Sicco H. Brandsma, A. Dick Vethaak, Juan J. Garcia-Vallejoc, Marja H. Lamoree
Geography:
Netherlands
Type:
Primary Data
Purpose of Measurement:
Understanding the Problem
Impact theme(s):
Oceans
This study’s goal was to develop a robust and sensitive sampling and analytical method with double shot pyrolysis - gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and apply it to measure plastic particles ≥700 nm in human whole blood from 22 healthy volunteers. Four high production volume polymers applied in plastic were identified and quantified for the first time in blood. Polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene and polymers of styrene (a sum parameter of polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, acetonitrile butadiene styrene etc.) were the most widely encountered, followed by poly(methyl methacrylate). This pioneering human biomonitoring study demonstrated that plastic particles are bioavailable for uptake into the human bloodstream.