A growing body of research has raised concerns about the presence of microplastics in human tissues and their potential impact on health. Despite widespread detection of plastics in various bodily fluids, studies are plagued by limitations such as small sample sizes, lack of controls, and contamination risks.
Recent findings have shown that people with higher concentrations of plastics in their arteries are more likely to experience heart attacks or strokes, and die prematurely. However, many studies rely on outdated methods that can produce false positives due to contamination.
Researchers use techniques like pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GCMS) to identify and quantify plastics in blood and tissue samples. But even after treatment, some residue remains, and non-plastic substances can be misidentified as plastic-derived compounds.
Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, often used in combination with scanning electron microscopy, can only reveal the presence of carbon-based molecules, not molecular structures. Moreover, data from previous studies are often inconsistent with biological plausibility, suggesting that larger particles may bypass biological barriers to enter human tissues.
Contamination risks during sampling, transportation, and analysis also pose significant challenges in comparing results across studies. Without more rigorous standards, transparency, and collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, a cycle of misinformation and ineffective regulation can undermine efforts to protect both human health and the environment.
The issue of microplastics in human tissues is complex and warrants further investigation to ensure accurate conclusions and effective regulations.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-00702-2