Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 25, 2025
08:48
Analysis of the Ambient Particulate Matter-induced Chromosomal Aberrations Using an In Vitro System
Published on: December 21, 2016
8.9K
[Black particles in plasma and carcinogenic pills]
C Kees Kramers1,2, J C A Hans Smit3, Rick Greupink1
1Radboudumc, afd. Farmacologie-Toxicologie, Nijmegen.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|December 17, 2020
Summary
Newspaper reports exaggerated risks in medical care, finding particles in blood plasma and a carcinogen in paracetamol. These risks are negligible compared to general cancer risks, and media exaggeration may cause harm.
Area of Science:
- Medical Safety
- Pharmaceuticals
- Public Health
Background:
- Recent media reports highlighted potential hazards in medical care, including black particles in blood plasma and a carcinogen in paracetamol.
- Concerns were raised regarding the safety of blood products and common analgesics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the actual risks associated with reported contaminants in blood plasma and paracetamol.
- To provide a balanced perspective on these risks in the context of patient safety and public health.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of reported black particles in blood plasma bags.
- Quantification of para-chloroaniline in paracetamol and risk assessment based on regulatory limits (ICH, EFSA).
Main Results:
- Black particles were found in 11 out of 300,000 plasma bags; administration filters (175 micron) and the mononuclear-phagocytic system are expected to mitigate risks.
- Paracetamol contained 6 ppm para-chloroaniline, posing a negligible lifelong cancer risk (1:200,000 to 1:20,000) compared to general population cancer risks (1:3).
Conclusions:
- Exaggerated media reporting on medical contaminants can lead to unnecessary patient anxiety and potentially harmful decisions, such as switching to NSAIDs.
- The actual risks from the reported contaminants in blood plasma and paracetamol are minimal and should not cause mistrust in regular healthcare.
- Responsible journalism is crucial to avoid undermining public confidence in established medical treatments and safety protocols.
Related Concept Videos
02:59Cancer Prevention
7.2K
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
7.2K
01:25Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
1.7K
Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity refer to the ability of drugs to cause genetic defects and induce cancer, respectively. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies agents into four groups based on their carcinogenic potential. Group 1 agents are known human carcinogens; group 2A agents are probably carcinogenic to humans; group 3 agents lack data to support their role in carcinogenesis; and group 4 includes agents for which data support that they are not likely to be...
1.7K
01:33Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
10.0K
Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
10.0K
02:21Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell
13.7K
Cancer arises from mutations in the critical genes that allow healthy cells to escape cell cycle regulation and acquire the ability to proliferate indefinitely. Though originating from a single mutation event in one of the originator cells, cancer progresses when the mutant cell lines continue to gain more and more mutations, and finally, become malignant. For example, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) develops initially as a non-lethal increase in white blood cells, which progressively...
13.7K
01:05Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
8.7K
Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
8.7K
01:51Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
6.0K
Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
6.0K