Microplastics that are used in food packaging and paint have been found in human veins, a study has discovered.
Microplastics can pass through blood vessels to vascular tissue, results suggest, but scientists said it was not yet clear what the implications were for human health.
Human saphenous vein tissue taken from patients undergoing heart bypass surgery was assessed in a small pilot study by a team from the University of Hull and Hull York Medical School, and from the Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
They found 15 microplastic particles for every gram of vein tissue and five different polymer types.
The most prominent included alkyd resin, used in synthetic paint, varnishes and enamels; polyvinyl acetate, an adhesive found in food packaging and nylon; and EVOH and EVA, used in flexible packaging materials.
“We were surprised to find them. We already know microplastics are in blood, from a study by Dutch colleagues last year," said Prof Jeanette Rotchell, an environmental toxicologist at the University of Hull.
“But it was not clear whether they could cross blood vessels into vascular tissue and this work would suggest they can do just that.
“Whilst we don’t yet know the implications of this on human health, what we can say is that from studies using cells grown in dishes, they cause inflammation and stress responses.”
The study, published in the journal Plos One, showed the levels of microplastics observed were similar to, or higher than, those reported for colon and lung tissues.
Saphenous veins are blood vessels in the legs, which help to send blood from the legs and feet back up to the heart.
The veins consist of three layers of tissue and are widely used in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures.
About 40 to 50 per cent of CABG procedures ultimately fail after 10 years because of a variety of factors, which are not always clear.
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Until now, no studies have examined whether microplastics can infiltrate or cross any biological barrier, including blood vessels, or any possible link between environmental microplastic exposure and CABG results.
“The characterisation of types and levels of microplastics can now inform experiments to determine vascular health impacts, including any potential link between environmental microplastic exposure and CABG outcomes," said Prof Rotchell.
Prof Mahmoud Loubani, a co-author and honorary professor of cardiothoracic surgery, said: "Failure of saphenous vein grafts has been a long-standing issue following coronary artery bypass surgery.
"It is an effective treatment but the longevity is limited by deterioration in the patency of the veins.
“The presence of these microplastics in the veins may well play a role in damaging the inside of the vein, leading to it becoming blocked with the passage of time.
"We do need to identify if there is any correlation and figure out ways of maybe removing the microplastics.”
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
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Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Notable Yas events in 2017/18
October 13-14 KartZone (complimentary trials)
December 14-16 The Gulf 12 Hours Endurance race
March 5 Yas Marina Circuit Karting Enduro event
March 8-9 UAE Rotax Max Challenge
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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