"Scientists shocked to find lab gloves may be skewing microplastics data
Mar 29, 2026 at 8:25 PM
A University of Michigan study suggests that the nitrile and latex gloves scientists commonly use could be causing microplastics levels to appear higher than they actually are.
Researchers found that these gloves can unintentionally transfer particles onto lab tools used to analyze air, water, and other environmental samples. The contamination comes from stearates, which are not plastics but can closely resemble them during testing. Because of this, scientists may be detecting particles that are not true microplastics. To reduce this issue, U-M researchers Madeline Clough and Anne McNeil recommend using cleanroom gloves, which release far fewer particles"
#science
(water filters may also be injecting microplastics into experiments.) https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260329222938.htm
Third Foundation
npub176…7zcvr
2026-03-30 22:33:47 UTC
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"content": "\"Scientists shocked to find lab gloves may be skewing microplastics data\nMar 29, 2026 at 8:25 PM\nA University of Michigan study suggests that the nitrile and latex gloves scientists commonly use could be causing microplastics levels to appear higher than they actually are.\n\nResearchers found that these gloves can unintentionally transfer particles onto lab tools used to analyze air, water, and other environmental samples. The contamination comes from stearates, which are not plastics but can closely resemble them during testing. Because of this, scientists may be detecting particles that are not true microplastics. To reduce this issue, U-M researchers Madeline Clough and Anne McNeil recommend using cleanroom gloves, which release far fewer particles\"\n\n#science\n\n(water filters may also be injecting microplastics into experiments.) https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260329222938.htm",
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