The Grave Impact Of Microplastics On Blood Clotting
In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, researchers revealed that microplastics are linked to blood coagulation. Greater levels of Microplastics in the blood can even cause inflammation and contribute to heart attack and stroke. In this study, 36 healthy Korean individuals aged 20 to 60 were monitored so the researchers could investigate the presence of microparticles in the blood.
The blood samples were tested to identify markers of inflammation and coagulation, like fibrinogen, prothrombin time, and C-reactive protein. Statistical analysis was used to determine how microplastic levels and coagulation markers interacted, for which factors such as lifestyle, age, and gender were taken into account. Out of 36 blood samples, 32 contained microplastics with an average concentration of 4.2 particles/ml.
Microplastics are tiny plastic pieces less than 5mm and can threaten living organisms easily. They are found in food, water, and everyday product packets, so humans are exposed to microplastics through inhalation, contact with skin, and ingestion. Plastic production grew rapidly between 1950 and 2021, increasing microplastics.
According to a recent study by Toxic Link, an environmental research and advocacy organisation, India needs to be concerned about microplastics because they are available even in the country’s salt and sugar, posing a great risk for residents. Thankfully, India is striving to assess the extent of the microplastic. Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) have also initiated a project to analyse micro and nanoplastics in food products.
