Plastic isn’t just in the ocean anymore — it’s in you.
That’s not hyperbole. Scientists have now found microplastics in human blood, lungs, placentas, breastmilk, and even the first stool of newborn babies. These tiny plastic particles are everywhere — and increasingly, inside us.
We talk a lot about plastic pollution on the planet. But what about pollution in people?
This post breaks down what microplastics are, how they’re getting into our bodies, what early research suggests about their health impact, and how we can start pushing back — not with fear, but with knowledge.
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size — about the size of a sesame seed or smaller. They fall into two categories:
- Primary microplastics: Manufactured small on purpose (e.g. microbeads in scrubs, glitter, or synthetic pellets used in production)
- Secondary microplastics: Broken down from larger plastics like bottles, bags, and fishing nets
These particles are now found in:
- Oceans, rivers, soil, and rain
- Tap and bottled water
- Food (including table salt, seafood, produce, and meat)
- Household dust and indoor air
And now? Inside us.
How Do Microplastics Enter the Human Body?
Microplastics can get into the human body in several ways — most of which are hard to avoid entirely.
Ingestion
- Food packaging: Hot foods in plastic containers leach plastic particles
- Seafood: Shellfish and fish can ingest plastic, which ends up in human meals
- Produce: Microplastics are found in soil, fertilizers, and irrigation water
- Salt: Ocean-harvested salt has tested positive for microplastic fragments
- Bottled water: Studies show bottled water contains 2x–3x more microplastics than tap
Inhalation
- Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon shed microfibers into the air
- Household dust carries plastic fibers from carpets, furniture, and electronics
- Urban environments have higher levels of airborne plastic particles
Absorption (Still Under Study)
- Nanoplastics (even smaller than microplastics) may cross cellular barriers
- Some studies suggest they could enter through mucous membranes or damaged skin
- Research is ongoing
Where They’ve Been Found in the Human Body:
- Bloodstream
- Lungs
- Placentas
- Breastmilk
- Infant stool (suggesting prenatal exposure)
What Are the Health Risks?
Let’s be clear: Research is still in early stages. But what we know so far is deeply concerning.
Known or Potential Risks:
- Inflammation: Chronic exposure may trigger immune responses or irritation in organs
- Endocrine disruption: Plastics can interfere with hormones, affecting fertility and development
- Toxic exposure: Microplastics can carry or absorb heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals
- Cellular damage: Animal studies show microplastics may cause cell death or DNA changes
- Brain and neurological risks: Nanoplastics may be able to cross the blood-brain barrier
Vulnerable populations — like pregnant people, infants, and those with chronic illness — may be at greater risk.
Why It’s Worse Than You Think
It’s not just about what’s in the ocean — it’s what’s in the air, the soil, and inside your body.
- Microplastics have been found in 100% of human breastmilk samples in recent studies
- 1 liter of bottled water can contain over 200 plastic particles
- Indoor air contains up to 7,000 plastic particles per cubic meter
- Studies have found plastic in the deepest parts of the lungs, where gas exchange occurs
And these particles don’t just pass through. Many remain in tissues or circulate in the bloodstream. We don’t yet know how long they stay — or what they’ll do over time.
What You Can Do (Even If You Can’t Avoid It All)
We can’t live in a bubble — and we don’t need to panic. But we can reduce our exposure and push for change.
1. Cut Plastic Packaging
- Avoid individually wrapped or plastic-heavy food items
- Store food in glass, metal, or silicone
- Never microwave plastic containers
2. Switch to Natural Fibers
- Choose organic cotton, hemp, linen, or wool over synthetic blends
- Wash synthetic clothing less often and use a fiber-catching laundry bag (like Guppyfriend)
3. Improve Indoor Air Quality
- Vacuum and dust regularly (HEPA filters help!)
- Open windows for ventilation
- Ditch air fresheners and synthetic-scented sprays
4. Rethink Bottled Water
- Use a high-quality water filter at home
- Refill reusable bottles from filtered taps
- Bottled water often contains more microplastics than tap — not less
5. Choose Products With Fewer Fillers
- Avoid glitter, microbeads, or exfoliants with mystery particles
- Choose whole, unpackaged foods when possible
- Research baby and toddler products (including toys, bottles, and mats)
6. Support Policy & Transparency
- Push brands to disclose materials and safety testing
- Support bans on unnecessary plastics
- Ask for research funding and better regulation
Final Thoughts: You Deserve to Know
This isn’t fear-mongering. This is fact.
Microplastics are in us — and we didn’t agree to that.
The more we understand how plastic pollution is affecting not just ecosystems but our own bodies, the more power we have to demand better from brands, governments, and ourselves.
Our bodies deserve clean water, clean air, and a cleaner future.
Let’s stop asking if plastic is hurting us — and start asking what we’re going to do about it.
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