Additionally, a quarter of the samples contained polyethylene, a material widely used to make plastic carrier bags.

“Our study is the first indication that we have polymer particles in our blood – ​it’s a breakthrough result,” stated Professor Dick Vethaak, an ecotoxicologist from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

However, he emphasized the need for further research, saying, “But we have to extend the research and increase the sample sizes, the number of polymers assessed, etc.” He noted that additional studies are already underway.

“It is certainly reasonable to be concerned,” Vethaak told The Guardian.

He explained, “The particles are there and are transported throughout the body.” Previous studies revealed that microplastic levels in the faeces of infants were 10 times higher compared to adults, and babies fed with plastic bottles ingest millions of microplastic particles each day.

“We also know in general that babies and young children are more vulnerable to chemical and particle exposure,” he continued. “That worries me a lot.”

While the quantity of plastic detected in the blood samples varied, Professor Vethaak reiterated, “this is a pioneering study,” highlighting its significance.

“The big question is what is happening in our body?” Vethaak stated.

“Are the particles retained in the body? Are they transported to certain organs, such as getting past the blood-brain barrier?” He continued, questioning whether the levels are high enough to “trigger disease.” He emphasized, “We urgently need to fund further research so we can find out.”

In a newly published review paper, which Vethaak co-authored, the potential cancer risk was examined. The paper concluded: “More detailed research on how micro- and nano-plastics affect the structures and processes of the human body, and whether and how they can transform cells and induce carcinogenesis, is urgently needed, particularly in light of the exponential increase in plastic production. The problem is becoming more urgent with each day.”