Microplastics found in human blood for first time, scientists say

Researchers in the Netherlands have detected microplastics for the first time in human blood, with the tiny plastic particles from food wrappers and beverage bottles reported in nearly 80 per cent of the small sample of people tested.

In a study, published Thursday in peer-reviewed scientific journal Environment International, scientists from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam report that certain microplastics were found in almost 80 per cent of the small sample of people tested.

Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments or fibres produced from the breakdown of larger pieces of plastics, including from beverage bottles, packaged food wrappers and plastic bags.

Researchers say the findings support "the hypothesis that human exposure to plastic particles results in absorption of particles into the bloodstream." Previous studies have shown that people and animals were known to consume microplastics via food and water, as well as breathing them in through air pollution. They have also been found in the feces of babies and some adults.

According to the study's authors, the findings show that microplastics can move around in the body and may remain in certain organs.