Plastic not only attacks marine animals but also enters the human body. According to Sky News, this is the conclusion from research by a group of scientists led by Dr. Philipp Schwabi from the Medical University of Vienna (Austria).
Previously, scientists tested the stools of eight volunteers in England, Finland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia and Austria. The results showed that every 10 grams of feces contained 20 microplastic particles.
In total, the authors listed 9 types of plastic beads, the most common being polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) commonly found in food and beverage packaging. They range in width from 50 to 500 micrometres.
“Microplastic particles are a risk to all of us, especially those with gastrointestinal diseases,” said Dr. Schwabi. “Although animal studies show that plastic particles are concentrated mainly in the intestines, microscopic particles can still penetrate blood vessels, the lymphatic system, and even the liver. Once evidence of plastic particles entering human body, we need to continue to learn how this affects health.”
In the above study, scientists did not trace the origin of the plastic particles. However, the volunteers’ food diaries showed that they all consumed food and drinks in plastic containers. No one is a vegetarian and six people regularly eat fish.
It is estimated that about 5% of plastic items end up in the ocean. There, they are gradually destroyed and eaten by marine animals. Tuna, lobster and shrimp have been shown to be contaminated with plastic particles.
Faced with the news that the human body contains plastic particles, not all experts are worried. Professor Alistair Boxall from York University expressed: “I am not surprised by this discovery. Microplastics have been found in tap water, bottled water, fish, tissue and even beer.”
“We will also be exposed to plastic particles from household dust, food packaging materials and plastic bottles. Therefore, it is inevitable that some of these particles will enter the lungs and digestive system.”
Minh Nguyen
