A new study warns that drugs given to hospital patients contain thousands of dangerous plastic particles.
The research, published in the journal Environment and Health, comes at a time when concerns are growing about the effects of microplastics.
These particles have been found in the human brain, heart and even breast milk. Studies have linked microplastics to chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease.
And now researchers from Fudan University in Shanghai claim that microplastic particles can also enter the body through veins.
Many drugs in hospitals are given through plastic IV bags.
The scientists used two different brands of 8.4-ounce IV saline solution, which forms the base for any medication that is administered.
They then filtered both bags to see if the microplastics were present.
