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Micro(nano)plastics (< 4 μm): An important but ignored concern during intravenous infusion
Penghui Li1, Haoming Xu2, Qingcun Li3
1School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
Abstract:
Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) have been observed in human blood, and atheroma, and they are associated with cardiovascular events. However, their sources remain poorly understood. Intravenous infusion products (IVIPs) might introduce MNPs directly into the human blood, which threatens health, but they remain unknown. Herein, simulated intravenous therapy was performed to detect multiple MNPs with sizes < 4 μm released from commonly used IVIPs through established analytical methods such as modified Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Results showed that polypropylene- and polyvinyl chloride- MNPs were identified from six different IVIPs during intravenous therapy via modified Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, SEM-EDS analysis observed irregular or near-spherical MNPs ranging from 10 nm to 3.6 μm, with a number concentration of (5.82 ± 0.86) × 104 items/L during intravenous therapy. These MNPs could directly enter the human blood with infusion fluids via intravenous therapy, posing serious risks to human health and affecting the safe use of IVIPs. Overall, these findings revealed that intravenous therapy could introduce MNPs, especially nanoplastics, directly into the human blood, highlighting the importance of considering MNPs in evaluating the safety of IVIPs.
Insights
Intravenous infusion products (IVIPs) release micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) into the bloodstream during therapy. These plastic particles pose a significant health risk, necessitating evaluation of IVIP safety.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) are detected in human blood and atheroma, linked to cardiovascular issues.
- The sources of MNPs in human circulation, particularly direct introduction routes, are not well understood.
- Intravenous infusion products (IVIPs) are a potential source of direct MNP introduction into the bloodstream.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the release of MNPs from commonly used IVIPs during simulated intravenous therapy.
- To identify the types and quantify the concentrations of MNPs introduced via IVIPs.
- To assess the health risks associated with MNPs from IVIPs.
Main Methods:
- Simulated intravenous therapy was conducted.
- Modified Raman spectroscopy was used to identify MNP types.
- Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) was employed to characterize MNP morphology and size.
Main Results:
- Polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride MNPs were detected in six different IVIPs.
- MNPs ranging from 10 nm to 3.6 μm were observed.
- The number concentration of MNPs reached (5.82 ± 0.86) × 10^4 items/L during simulated therapy.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous therapy using common IVIPs introduces MNPs directly into human blood.
- These MNPs, particularly nanoplastics, pose serious health risks.
- The safety evaluation of IVIPs must consider the presence and impact of MNPs.
