Intravenous hypertonic fluids as a source of human microplastic exposure

• Published in: Environmental toxicology and pharmacology 2024-04, Vol.107, p.104411-104411, Article 104411
• Main Authors: Çağlayan, Uğur, Gündoğdu, Sedat, Ramos, Tiffany M., Syberg, Kristian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cellulose; Environmental Monitoring; Human exposure; Humans; Hypertonic fluid packaging; Medical plastics; Microplastic; Microplastics; Plastics; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis
• ISSN: 1382-6689; 1872-7077
• DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104411

This study investigates the presence of microplastics (MPs) in hypertonic fluid solutions, a widely used medical treatment packaged predominantly in plastic. For this purpose, in this study, 13 hypertonic fluid samples from different brands and two different types of packaging (polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride) were analyzed using visual particle counting, µ-Raman microscopy and ATR-FTIR. The results reveal the pervasive presence of MPs in all samples, with an estimated average concentration of 62.82 ± 72.38 MPs/1000 mL. There was no statistically significant difference in MP concentration between PP and PVC packaging. The particles predominantly consisted of fragments (74.1%) and fibers (25.9%), ranging in size from 0.04 to 2.37 mm. µ-Raman analysis identified 12 synthetic polymers as well as cellulose, with polyethylene and cellulose being the most prevalent. In conclusion, this study underscores the alarming presence of MPs in hypertonic fluid solutions, raising concerns about potential health risks. [Display omitted] •Microplastics (MPs) were identified in 67% of hypertonic fluid samples.•The mean MP concentration was 62.82 ± 72.38 MPs/1000 mL.•MPs were predominantly in the form of 74.1% fragments and 25.9% fibers.•An estimated 365.6 MPs are encountered per individual during each hospitalization.•Via µ-Raman analysis, twelve synthetic polymers and cellulose were identified.