Microplastics have been detected for the first time, in urine samples from children in Cyprus, according to preliminary findings of a study, a press release issued by Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), said on Wednesday, adding that the same time that further research will be required in order to confirm that microplastics are systematically detected in children’s urine, to better understand how they are exposed to them, and to determine whether exposure to microplastics may have an impact on their health.
These findings emerge from a study carried out in collaboration between the Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health (CII) at CUT and researchers from the University of Catania in Italy.
The study provides preliminary evidence that microplastics can be detected in the urine of primary school children living in Cyprus.
As noted, this suggests that children may be exposed to microplastics in ways that allow these particles to enter and circulate within their bodies.
A systemic issue?
In fact, using advanced laboratory methods, the researchers were able to detect very small plastic particles and identify the types of plastic present in the urine samples. "Polyethylene and polypropylene were the types detected most frequently," the report notes.
It is pointed out that the study also found differences in the quantity of microplastics detected among the children. However, it is added, given that a limited number of children took part and the analyses were mainly descriptive, these should not be regarded as evidence of clear differences between groups.
As CUT points out in its press release, the findings are preliminary and must be interpreted with caution. It adds that, in order to confirm that microplastics are systematically detected in children’s urine, to better understand how they are exposed to them, and to determine whether exposure to microplastics may have an impact on children’s health, further research will be required.
Source: CNA
