Microplastic particles are now found in our organs

MICROPLASTICS have been found in people’s organs after they die.

Most research on plastic pollution has focused on fish and seabirds which swallow fragments, but findings now suggest it gets into the human body too.

Researchers examined 47 samples from the lungs, livers, kidneys and spleens of 24 people who donated their bodies to medical science.

In every single case, they found individual molecules of plastic – which are called monomers.

Some experts believe it may get into our organs after eating fish and drinking water from bottles – and even inhaling plastic in the air.

Varun Kelkar, a co-author of the study from Arizona State University in the US, said: ‘We never want to be alarmist, but it is concerning that these non-biodegradable materials that are present everywhere can enter and accumulate in human tissues, and we don’t know the possible health effects.

‘Once we get a better idea of what’s in the tissues, we can conduct epidemiological studies to assess human health outcomes.’

Plastic, which stays in the environment for decades, can easily erode into tiny fragments and fibres.

The new study looked for signs of microplastics, less than a fifth of an inch (5mm), and nanoplastics, which are thinner than a hair.

The researchers say their findings indicate that plastic had been broken down in the body. They also found BPA, a chemical used in wrappers and containers, in all 47 cases.

Dr Rolf Haden, co-author of the study, said: ‘If we allow micro and nanoplastics everywhere in our environment – in dust, in air, in drinking water, in food – then a natural consequence is we get exposed.’