Intravenous hypertonic fluids as a source of human microplastic exposure

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Hypertonic fluid solutions are essential medical treatments.
• These solutions are predominantly packaged in plastic containers, raising concerns about potential contamination.
• The presence and impact of microplastics in medical fluids require thorough investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in various brands and types of hypertonic fluid solutions.
• To quantify microplastic contamination levels in these medical fluids.
• To identify the types and sizes of microplastics present in hypertonic solutions.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 13 hypertonic fluid samples from different brands and packaging materials (polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride).
• Utilized visual particle counting, µ-Raman microscopy, and Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR).
• Characterized particle types (fragments, fibers) and identified polymer composition.

Main Results:

• Microplastics were detected in all analyzed hypertonic fluid samples.
• Average microplastic concentration was 62.82 ± 72.38 MPs/1000 mL.
• Identified polyethylene and cellulose as the most prevalent polymers, with particles ranging from 0.04 to 2.37 mm.

Conclusions:

• Hypertonic fluid solutions are a significant source of microplastic contamination.
• No significant difference in MP concentration was observed between polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride packaging.
• The findings raise concerns regarding potential health risks from microplastic exposure through medical treatments.