DID YOU KNOW? * 7,000+ microplastics are in an IV fluid bag? * They enter the bloodstream & can disrupt cell functions * DEHP leaches from PVC bags and tubing * DEHP is classified as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” 🧵

Each year, between 8 and 10 million tons of plastic are estimated to enter the global ocean, for a total plastic waste approximating 5 billion tons

Recent regulations have restricted the use of primary MPs in cosmetics, drastically reducing their presence in these products but not IV bags...

Secondary MPs are formed through the degradation of larger plastics due to factors like UV light exposure, physical abrasion, temperature changes, hydrolysis, or biodegradation

MP or their leachates can interact with blood components, such as red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma proteins, potentially causing cytotoxic and genotoxic effects

Plastic in IV bags is particularly concerning in the case of IVs because MPs directly enter the blood and can potentially cause toxicity, increase inflammation, exacerbate cardiovascular disease, and other issues

Although plastic particles in commercially available infusion fluids were reported in 1970, this fact has attracted very little attention until recently

There are no existing federal regulations currently addressing microplastic contamination specifically in IV tubing, bags, or solutions. Current federal efforts focus mostly on voluntary research and environmental contamination studies

Research suggests simple mitigation such as discarding the first ~12 ml of infused fluid or avoiding heat and light exposure to reduce shedding risk

Most activity remains in the research and advisory stage, not regulatory: agencies are gathering data, states and feds are investing in further studies

A good review on the topic: