Photo: statnano
A groundbreaking new study has shocked the scientific community — researchers have discovered nanoplastics in farm animals, including cows, pigs, and chickens. These microscopic particles, just a billionth of a meter in size, were found in the animals’ blood, liver, lungs, and even muscle tissue. This means plastic is entering the food chain and could eventually end up on our plates.
The research, conducted by a team of European scientists, revealed that the sources of contamination are not limited to plastic waste — animal feed, water, and even the air they breathe also play a role. The particles are so tiny that they can pass through cell membranes, accumulate in tissues, and trigger inflammation. Scientists warn that nanoplastics pose an even greater threat than microplastics because they are impossible to detect without specialized equipment. While microplastic particles can still be seen under a microscope, nanoplastics are thousands of times smaller — comparable in size to viruses. This allows them to enter the bloodstream and even cross the placental barrier during pregnancy.
Although the full impact of nanoplastics on human health remains unclear, early findings suggest possible disruptions to the immune system, hormonal imbalances, and even DNA damage. Now that these particles have been detected in animals used for food, the issue has taken on global significance.
Environmental experts are urging a comprehensive review of livestock production and storage systems, warning that even minimal use of plastic on farms — from feed packaging to piping — can contribute to contamination.
Researchers are calling for the creation of international standards to monitor micro- and nanoplastic levels in food products. Humanity, they say, has entered a new era — the era of plastic living inside us. While it’s impossible to eliminate exposure completely, every step toward reducing single-use plastics is a step toward better health and a safer future for our planet.
