Therapeutic Apheresis Shows Potential in Removing PFAS and Microplastics from Blood
Researchers in Germany have discovered that therapeutic apheresis, a treatment primarily used to remove excess fats from the blood of cardiovascular patients, may also reduce levels of certain synthetic chemicals and microplastics. The study, published in Brain Health, found that the procedure could lower the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and some microplastics in the blood. PFAS, often referred to as 'forever chemicals', are used in various consumer products and are known for their persistence in the environment and human body. The study involved 14 patients undergoing double filtration plasmapheresis, which showed a reduction in PFAS levels by up to 25% immediately after treatment. However, the findings on microplastics were inconsistent, with some levels decreasing and others increasing post-treatment. 
