Can PET and polypropylene microplastics show up in human blood?
Use caution. A 2026 human sample study found PET and polypropylene microplastics in blood and cancer tissue samples. The study did not prove that microplastics caused cancer, but it supports reducing repeated plastic food contact.
What's actually in it
PET is used in many drink bottles and food packages. Polypropylene is used in many food tubs, caps, and takeout containers.
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic. People can be exposed through food, drinks, dust, packaging, and plastic wear. The exact source can be hard to trace.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol tested human blood and cancer tissue samples from Jijel Province, Algeria. Researchers found 172 microplastics in blood samples, averaging 3 particles per gram. They also found more than 220 microplastics in cancer tissue samples, averaging 25 particles per gram.
Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed PET and polypropylene as major polymers in about 44% of analyzed samples. The study also said the relationship between these particles and genetic material was not confirmed.
What to do at home
This is not proof that microplastics caused cancer. It is a reason to reduce easy sources of plastic contact. Store leftovers in glass. Do not heat food in plastic. Choose glass or stainless steel for daily food and drinks when the swap is simple.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene microplastic bioaccumulation in human blood and cancerous tissues in Algerian cases. | Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol | 2026 |