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Microscopic plastic waste found in human blood for the first time?

Health and fitness

By SandhayaPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
Microscopic plastic waste found in human blood for the first time?
Photo by CDC on Unsplash

What are microplastics and how many people are ingesting them each day? Here’s everything you need to know.

As per a report by CNN, scientists have discovered that some of the particles present in “microplastic pellets” are tiny bits of plastic which were identified for the first time as being harmful to humans. According to an independent news outlet, these tiny bits of plastic are only 0.1 microns or 10-15 micrometers long and are mostly smaller than a single bacterium, which is known to grow on plastics and other microplastics. While this may not sound like much at all, it’s the same amount of bacteria present on earth’s soil.

The study published online on Monday stated that the newly-discovered compound, tetraethylene tigloniade, was detected in blood samples taken from 13 different donors. All of the volunteers had been collecting their own blood using conventional methods but also used donated blood to test various materials using laboratory equipment to see whether they are carrying traces of polymers in their system. When this type of testing is done, there are certain things that come up.

For one, if something really does exist, it must be dangerous, right? This sounds like bad news but it’s actually very good news. Because now we are learning about what might be taking place in our bodies on a daily basis. The research is ongoing, but so far it seems like tetraethylene tigloniade appears to be safe.

What is Tetraethylene Tigloniade?

Tetraben-Tigloniade (TET-B) is a name given to substances that are synthetic and contain the three chemical elements listed below. These components include acryl carbonate, acetone, ethylene glycol, hydrotetrafluoroalkyl ether (HTAE), and isopropanol.

According to the National Institutes of Health, “Tetraethylene tigloniade is derived from tetrasodium propionate (a natural rubber found naturally in animal skin), which contains the four ingredients mentioned above [but] can also be synthesized using a number of commercially available chemicals.” We know that this substance is toxic because a similar substance, diisopropyl phthalate, is still in use today in aerosols, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Unfortunately for consumers, Diisopropyl Phthalate is linked to hormone disruption and birth defects. It is most commonly found in dietary supplements and toothpaste.

The researchers behind the new discovery said that they believe that the presence of this compound is related to health problems caused by exposure to air pollution. However, more studies will be needed before we get any concrete conclusions.

”These findings should motivate further investigations into the potential adverse effects on the body due to sub-pharmaceuticals contained in T&T. They may lead to better formulations and safer use of these agents,” the authors wrote.

Is There Any Harm Caused By Artificial Transcription Factors That Donate Bacteria To Your Body?

Scientists have recently found out that artificial transcription factors in cosmetic products can cause harm. A group of Korean researchers came across this problem with transgenic mice that had been injected with creamer containing small amounts of peptides. One of those peptides came from a gene called Dsred1, which transfers DNA sequences to specific enzymes within your colon. That means that when you eat food from companies that don’t follow regulations or haven’t checked for toxins, you put yourself at risk.

Dangerous Ingredients Are Being Used In Cosmetics Industry Due To Lack Of Regulation

It’s been reported that hundreds of thousands of women across America suffer from infertility, while others are suffering from early menopause. If this continues, millions of lives could be impacted. So much for getting your act together. The experts at Northwestern University in Illinois say that we need to step back and stop overusing hazardous chemicals on a regular basis.

“It’s clear that the unregulated market is responsible for creating significant damage to public health. And we want regulators to set a limit on which contaminants can be marketed without adequate oversight,” Dr. David Bernstein told Fox News Digital. He also stressed that manufacturers who do not adhere to the rules must face consequences including penalties against lawsuits.

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