Blood Business
Synopsis
More than 100 million blood donations are collected each year worldwide, with a significant portion sold to pharmaceutical companies for profit.
People
Synopsis
Carlos donates blood at the Red Cross Center in Lausanne, Switzerland, viewing his contribution as a community commitment. "Blood Business" investigates the blood plasma industry, revealing that plasma, a key component of blood, is sold to pharmaceutical companies for significant profit. The film travels to donation centers in the United States, where donors receive payment, a practice illegal in Europe. Many donors, facing financial struggles, often misrepresent their health to participate, exposing the darker side of this lucrative market.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Find out how plasma is more valuable than oil.
- Meet Carlos, a dedicated blood donor in Switzerland.
- See how the blood of the poor supports the wealthy.
Did You Know
- More than 100 million blood donations are collected each year worldwide.
- In 2015, the Swiss Red Cross registered 311,000 blood donations.
- The Red Cross sells 80,000 liters of plasma to pharmaceutical companies each year.
- The Red Cross makes nearly 10 million Swiss Franks from plasma sales.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
How much plasma does the Red Cross sell to pharmaceutical companies each year?
The Red Cross sells 80,000 liters of plasma to pharmaceutical companies each year.
How much money does the Red Cross make from plasma sales?
The Red Cross makes nearly 10 million Swiss Franks from the sale of plasma.
What percentage of blood volume is made up of plasma?
Typically, 57% of blood volume is made up of plasma.
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