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Health Risks from Microplastics in Intravenous Infusions: Evidence from Italy, Spain, and Ecuador
Claudio Casella1, Umberto Cornelli2, Giuseppe Zanoni1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
Abstract:
The rising incidence of microplastics (MPs) is a possible health risk to humans. The present study aims to analyze the presence of MPs in intravenous (IV) infusions and compare MP concentrations from multiple brands. The IV solutions of 29 medical devices (IV-MDs) from seven brands commercialized in Ecuador, Spain, and Italy have been selected under specific consideration to carry out the study. The detection of MPs has been quite obvious in almost all of the samples from brands in the mentioned countries. MP concentrations ranged from 9 to 20 MPs/L in glass containers to 166-299 MPs/L in plastic bags, with the majority of fragments (63%) on fibres (37%) and more than 60% of particles less than 100 µm. Nine different types of MPs were identified in this study. High clinical risk was indicated by markings with >200 MPs/L. Nevertheless, the medium polymeric danger index (PHI) was 1.7. According to these outcomes, IV infusion is a direct exposure to MPs that may have harmful medical repercussions. It is imperative that MPs' limitations be included in pharmacopoeic monographs and in vivo toxicological and epidemiological studies. The present study aims to analyze the presence of MPs in IV-MDs and compare MP concentrations from multiple IV-MD brands.
Insights
Microplastics (MPs) were detected in most intravenous (IV) infusions, with plastic bags showing higher concentrations than glass containers. This direct exposure poses potential health risks, necessitating further toxicological and epidemiological studies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) contamination is a growing global concern with potential human health implications.
- Intravenous (IV) infusions are a direct route for substances to enter the human bloodstream.
- Previous research has highlighted the presence of MPs in various consumables, but IV infusions require specific investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the presence and concentration of microplastics (MPs) in intravenous infusion medical devices (IV-MDs).
- To compare MP concentrations across different brands and types of IV-MDs.
- To assess the potential health risks associated with MP exposure through IV infusions.
Main Methods:
- Samples from 29 IV-MDs across seven brands commercialized in Ecuador, Spain, and Italy were analyzed.
- Microplastic detection and quantification were performed on IV solutions.
- MP characteristics, including size, shape (fragments vs. fibers), and polymer type, were identified.
Main Results:
- Microplastics were detected in nearly all analyzed IV infusion samples.
- MP concentrations varied significantly, ranging from 9-20 MPs/L in glass containers to 166-299 MPs/L in plastic bags.
- The majority of MPs were fragments (63%) smaller than 100 µm; nine different polymer types were identified.
Conclusions:
- IV infusions represent a direct pathway for human exposure to MPs, posing potential medical risks.
- High MP concentrations (>200 MPs/L) indicate a significant clinical risk.
- Recommendations include incorporating MP limits into pharmacopoeias and conducting further toxicological and epidemiological studies.
