Plastic products have become indispensable in our lives, but the harm of "microplastics" cannot be ignored.
At present, microplastics have been detected in the human stomach, heart, intestines, placenta and other parts. Recently, a study found the presence of microplastics in the bone marrow of the human body, which may be an important risk factor for the occurrence of hematological malignancies (leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, etc.).
Microplastics have been found in the bone marrow of the human body, or a risk factor for blood cancers!
Bone marrow is an important place for human hematopoiesis, but according to the news of Henan Provincial Cancer Hospital on July 30, microplastics were found in human bone marrow for the first time!
The study, published in the top international journal "Journal of Hazardous Materials", found that the bone marrow samples of all participants contained microplastics, most of which were between 20~100 microns in size. Among them, five plastic types, polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyhexanediamine 66 (PA66), were detected.
Screenshot of the study
On August 1, Zhang Shaokai, the corresponding author of the paper and director of the Cancer Prevention and Treatment Research Office of Henan Provincial Cancer Hospital, introduced that the study found that micro and nano plastics exist in the bone marrow of the human body, which may be another important risk factor for the occurrence of hematological tumors.
Study flow diagram. Compiled by Ren Xuan
The following are photomicrographs of typical microplastics isolated from bone marrow, most of which are fibrous and fragmented. Specifically, the study found the presence of microplastics in 16 bone marrow samples, with an average concentration of 51.29 μg/g and a range of 15.37~92.05 μg/g.
Screenshot of the study
From the type of plastic:
Polyethylene (PE) was the most detected in bone marrow, with an average concentration of 30.02 μg/g and a detection rate of 93.75%.
Polystyrene (PS) was the most detectable in bone marrow, accounting for 100% of bone marrow samples, with a mean concentration of 5.27 μg/g;
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyhexanediamine 66 (PA66) were each detected in 75% of bone marrow samples at mean concentrations of 17.01 μg/g and 6.81 μg/g, respectively;
Polypropylene (PP) was detected in only one bone marrow sample at a concentration of 1.75 μg/g.
3 habits of plastic use
Don't do it again
Plastic is one of the most important food packaging materials and is still irreplaceable in many scenarios. Although it cannot be avoided, we can reduce the health risks by reducing irrational use. Especially these 3 habits, don't do them again!
1
Microwave in plastic bags/boxes of food
Many people like to put plastic bags or disposable plastic lunch boxes with food directly into the microwave oven to heat; Or put the plastic wrap bag and plastic wrap in the microwave with the food.
A 2023 study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology found that microwave heating results in the highest amount of microplastics and nanoplastics released into food compared to refrigerated or room temperature use, with more than 2 billion nanoplastics and 4 million microplastics released per square centimeter container. The study selected "food-grade plastic containers" composed of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE).
In addition, the study also found that when plastic containers are used for heating liquids, including water, milk, etc., the largest number of micron plastic particles are generated; If it were only used for refrigerated storage of food or beverages, it would release much less micron plastic.
In other words, if you use the microwave oven to heat food every day, it is best to use less plastic containers.
2
Use finished bottles to hold all kinds of food
Many people like to use beverage bottles to hold liquid spices, especially the older generation. However, beverage bottles, mineral water bottles, etc., are mainly designed and produced for liquids such as water, carbonated drinks, fruit juices, teas, etc., and if they are allowed to carry other liquids, they may release toxic substances faster and more due to changes in the properties of liquids.
For example, using a beverage bottle to hold vinegar and cooking oil is likely to increase the migration of harmful substances.
3
Get used to using single-use plastic cutlery frequently
Reduce the use of single-use plastic water bottles, plastic straws, plastic spoons...... Unnecessary ingestion of microplastics can be avoided.
In addition, many people often put a disposable plastic bag on the bowl to save trouble, and then hold hot and sour noodles, tofu brain, noodles, spicy tang and other foods, which is actually a very unhealthy behavior. The harmful substances in plastic bags are easy to precipitate when exposed to high temperatures and grease, which is not conducive to health.
bibliography
[1] Xiaoli Guo, Lin Wang, Xiaoyang Wang, et al. Discovery and Analysis of Microplastics in Human Bone Marrow. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2024, 20, 135266. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304389424018454
[2]2024-07-30 Henan Provincial Cancer Hospital "The world's first discovery of microplastics in human bone marrow| This study provides data support for the study of the etiology and mechanism of hematological malignancies》
[3]2024-08-02People's Daily Health Client "Microplastics exist in human bone marrow! or important risk factors for the development of hematological tumors》
[4] Assessing the Release of Microplastics and Nanoplastics from Plastic Containers and Reusable Food Pouches: Implications for Human Health. Environmental Science & Technology, 2023; 57 (26): 9782 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01942[5]2024-03-08科普中国《说真的，别再用塑料瓶装东西了！》
Source丨Health Times