The following is a press release from ACS Chemistry for Life:
“Detection of Various Microplastics in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery”
Environmental Science & Technology
Everywhere scientists look for microplastics, they’ve found them — food, water, air and some parts of the human body. But examinations of our innermost organs that aren’t directly exposed to the environment are still limited. Now, in a pilot study of people who underwent heart surgery, researchers in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology report that they have found microplastics in many heart tissues. They also report evidence suggesting that microplastics were unexpectedly introduced during the procedures.
Microplastics are plastic fragments less than 5 millimeters wide, or about the size of a pencil eraser. Research has shown that they can enter the human body through mouths, noses and other body cavities with connections to the outside world. Yet many organs and tissues are fully enclosed inside a person’s body, and scientists lack information on their potential exposure to, and effects from, microplastics.
So, Kun Hua, Xiubin Yang and colleagues wanted to investigate whether these particles have entered people’s cardiovascular systems through indirect and direct exposures.
In a pilot experiment, the researchers collected heart tissue samples from 15 people during cardiac surgeries, as well as pre- and post-operation blood specimens from half of the participants.
Then the team analyzed the samples with laser direct infrared imaging and identified 20 to 500 micrometer-wide particles made from eight types of plastic, including polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride and poly(methyl methacrylate). This technique detected tens to thousands of individual microplastic pieces in most tissue samples, though the amounts and materials varied between participants.
All of the blood samples also contained plastic particles, but after surgery their average size decreased, and the particles came from more diverse types of plastics.
Although the study had a small number of participants, the researchers say they have provided preliminary evidence that various microplastics can accumulate and persist in the heart and its innermost tissues. They add that the findings show how invasive medical procedures are an overlooked route of microplastics exposure, providing direct access to the bloodstream and internal tissues.
More studies are needed to fully understand the effects of microplastics on a person’s cardiovascular system and their prognosis after heart surgery, the researchers conclude.
The authors acknowledge funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Beijing Natural Science Foundation.
AUTHOR COMMENTARY
[21] My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: [22] For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both? Proverbs 24:21-22
Remember the times when plastics did not exist on such a widescale? I do, vaguely, and life was so much better without them. But, of course, in the name of convenience and saving Hooty the Spotted Owl from deforestation was the sales pitch in order to justify the mass adoption of plastics.
SEE: Microplastics Have Now Been Detected In The Blood For The First Time
Microplastics Contained In Food And Drinks Are Developing Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Scientists Discover How To Convert Plastics Into “Edible” Protein Powders And Other Macronutrients
[7] Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? [8] Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? [9] For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? [10] Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. (1 Corinthians 9:7-10).
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Yes, and now deforestation in the name of green wind farms, go figure
It is ridiculously crazy how much plastic society uses. We are surrounded by it up to our eyeballs. Can’t wait for the 1000 year reign of Jesus where everything goes back to the old, right ways. “FedNow”? Nope, FED UP.
I was apartment hunting in Rochester, and I checked out 4 farms that offered raw milk. 2 of them involve being on the milk share list. The one farmer confessed that the raw milk is not organic raw milk as it should be because the cows were being fed organic feed. I went to tea cup farm, and they have vat pasteurized milk (milk that is pasteurized, but not heated to more than 145 degrees Fahrenheit). Jersey bell farm has raw milk. When I do go back to Rochester to sign the lease for an apartment, I will check out another farm, plus revisit teacup farm and jersey bell farm.