Microplastics detected in Cyprus primary school children’s urine for first time

Nicosia, Cyprus. Microplastics have been detected for the first time in the urine of primary school children in Cyprus, according to a study published on Wednesday. Researchers said polyethylene and polypropylene were the most frequently identified types.

Study findings

In a joint statement, researchers from Italy’s University of Catania, the Cyprus Institute and the Cyprus University of Technology (Tepak) said the findings suggest children may be exposed to particles in ways that allow them to enter and circulate within the body.

The researchers used advanced laboratory methods to detect the small plastic particles and identify their type.

Results require further research

The study found variation in the amount of microplastics detected among individual children. However, the Cyprus Institute said the limited number of participants and the largely descriptive nature of the analysis meant the differences should not be interpreted as evidence of clear distinctions between groups.

“The findings are preliminary and should be interpreted with caution,” the institute said, adding that larger studies would be needed to determine whether microplastics are systematically present in children’s urine.

Wider research

The research forms part of a growing body of international work examining human exposure to microplastics, which have previously been detected in blood, placental tissue and breast milk in studies conducted elsewhere.

Polyethylene and polypropylene, the two types identified in the Cyprus samples, are among the most widely produced plastics globally and are used in packaging and containers.