September 16, 2024 16:14
Many studies are now frequently identifying microplastics in the human body, but fewer focus on the source and cause of contamination.
One such project, the five-year Brigid program, launched in 2022, includes PlasticsEurope, the European association of plastic producers, as a partner. The aim is not only to assess the presence but also the potential health risks of ingesting microplastics.
PlasticsEurope has reported that the first phase of the study investigates possible causes of microplastics in human stool. The study examines three food-related scenarios: food processing, packaging in plastic materials, and food preparation and consumption using plastic utensils.
The study found microplastics in 95% of the samples analyzed, with an average of 3.3 microplastics per gram of feces (MP/g). The most common polymers were polyethylene, polypropylene, and PET, with fibers being the predominant particle form (80%).
"Interestingly," says the association, "there was no identifiable correlation between the consumption of plastic-packaged food/beverages and the number or type of microplastics in stool. However, a new hypothesis emerged indicating a possible positive correlation between the method of food preparation and the presence of microplastics in stool." PlasticsEurope emphasizes that more research is needed to better understand the mechanisms supporting these observations.
"Plastics Europe and its members are committed to generating robust scientific research into the presence and risks of microplastic which will allow us to better understand the potential effects of this exposure on the environment and health, and to help develop suitable mitigation measures as needed" comments Virginia Janssens of PlasticsEurope. "We hope this finding will be the first of many useful insights that the Brigid research programme can provide to inform policymakers, our value chain, and other stakeholders."
See also: Brigid Research Project
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