The microplastics in my blood terrify me – here’s how I am reducing them

Chances are, whatever you’re doing now, you’re coming into contact with microplastics. Whether it’s in the air you breathe, the clothes you’re wearing or what you’re eating or drinking, microplastics are, literally, everywhere. So prevalent are these tiny particles that they’ve been found in some of the most remote and extreme environments on Earth. From the depths of the Mariana Trench to the snowfields near the summit of Mount Everest and, most alarmingly, studies have detected tiny specks of plastics in human lungs, placentas, reproductive organs, livers, kidneys, knee and elbow joints, blood vessels and bone marrow. In fact, it is estimated that we eat, drink or breathe between 78,000 and 211,000 microplastic particles every year, and a recent study suggested the average brain could harbour a teaspoon’s worth.

How are these microplastics getting into our organs?

“Once the very smallest plastic particles are swallowed or inhaled, they can cross various biological barriers and enter the bloodstream,” explains Matthew Cotton, professor of environmental justice and public policy at Teesside University. “If ingested, most of the larger particles will simply pass through the gastrointestinal tract and be excreted. But the tiniest nanoparticles – those under 150 micrometres – can be absorbed through the intestinal lining, where they enter the lymphatic system or bloodstream directly. “If inhaled, these nanoplastics can settle in the lining of the lungs, with the smallest particles passing straight into the blood. Once in the circulatory or lymphatic systems, they can travel throughout the body and are small enough to penetrate individual cell membranes. That’s how plastic particles end up in human blood, the placenta and even brain tissue. These particles are crossing biological barriers – and the more we’re exposed, the greater the risk of accumulation.” (Photo: Zinyange Auntony/AFP via Getty)

How contaminated is your body?

New at-home kits now allow you to find out just how contaminated your body is with microplastics. I decided to try one, and it turns out I’d give Barbie a run for her (plastic) money. The kit I used – called Plastictox – detects and quantifies both plastic and non-plastic particles using a dried blood sample. It’s processed in a plastic-free lab in the Netherlands. All I had to do was prick my finger and drip a drop of blood onto the collection card, which I then posted for analysis. Two weeks later, my results landed in my inbox – and they were terrifying. My blood sample revealed a total of 29 microplastic particles. Of those: Nine particles were under 10 micrometres (very small); 17 particles were between 10 and 30 micrometres; Three particles measured between 30–70 micrometres. According to experts, the smallest particle range – under 10 micrometres – is particularly concerning. Particles this small are most likely to be inhaled and are capable of passing through the body’s most protective barriers, including the blood-brain barrier. (Photo: Louisa Gouliamaki/AFP via Getty)

A fairly healthy life

I like to think I lead a fairly healthy life. I cook from scratch, drink lots of water and I exercise. It was only when I started digging that I realised just how plastic-saturated my “healthy” lifestyle really is: from my reusable coffee cup to the plastic containers I pack my lunch in, the dishwasher tablets under the sink, even the clothes I wear, all of it is touched by plastic in some way. And living in London, with its constant exposure to pollution, certainly doesn’t help. What’s been weighing on me most is the thought of my two-year-old – drinking from a plastic bottle, eating from a plastic bowl, surrounded by plastic toys. What this all means for our health has yet to be determined, but most scientists agree it’s unlikely to be good news. (Photo: vm/Getty/E+)

Plastic particles act like sponges

“Research into the health effects of the smallest plastic particles is still ongoing, but some emerging trends are deeply concerning,” explains Professor Cotton. “For one, plastic particles can act like sponges, carrying with them a cocktail of chemicals, such as pigments, plasticisers that make them flexible or flame retardants. Many of these fall into the category of so-called ‘forever chemicals’ that neither the human body nor the natural environment can easily break down.” Exposure to these substances can trigger oxidative stress, a process that causes inflammation in the body. Over time, this inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of serious conditions including heart disease, cancer, and dementia. (Photo: Yunaidi Joepoet/Getty/Moment RF)

Interfering with our hormone systems

“Secondly, these particles, and the chemicals that adhere to them, can interfere with our hormone systems,” Professor Cotton continues. “This hormonal disruption has been associated with issues like obesity, reduced fertility and complications during pregnancy.” While there’s currently no way to completely eliminate microplastics from the body, it is possible to reduce exposure – and some experts believe certain interventions may help remove them over time. One London clinic has made headlines as the first in the world to offer a treatment claiming to extract between 90 and 99 per cent of microplastics from a patient’s blood. The procedure, which functions similarly to dialysis, takes around two hours – and comes with a price tag of nearly £10,000. (Photo: Kinga Krzeminska/Getty/Moment RF)

Glass containers over plastic and clean eating

But for those of us without a spare 10 grand lying around, what can we do? “The first step is to replace plastic food containers with glass, especially when reheating meals in the microwave,” explains Professor Cotton. “It’s better to transfer leftovers onto a microwave-safe plate or glass dish before heating. The same goes for ready meals or any food packaged in plastic. So-called ‘clean eating’, which emphasises fresh, locally sourced food, might reduce plastic exposure somewhat. But it’s not a perfect solution, as contamination can occur during growing, handling, packaging, processing and transportation.” When it comes to drinking water, tap water typically contains fewer plastic particles than bottled water. “Using a water filter at home can help reduce those particles even further,” he adds. (Photo: Juana Mari Moya/Getty/Moment RF)

The best for children

To reduce inhalation risks indoors, regular vacuuming and the use of air purifiers can help cut plastic-laden dust. But avoiding airborne microplastics outdoors is much harder. “The masks many of us wore during Covid can’t filter out the tiniest particles. Avoiding high-traffic areas, especially during rush hour, may be one of the simplest ways to lower your exposure,” adds Professor Cotton. For children, it’s best to choose toys made from natural materials like wood or metal. Some laundry detergents also contain microplastics, so switching to natural or biodegradable alternatives can help. (Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Even tea bags can be a source

Even your daily cup of tea can be a source, with many teabags sealed with plastic. Switching to linen or metal infusers is a safer bet. Seafood, particularly shellfish, can accumulate microplastics due to how they filter water, and many cans are lined with BPA or similar plastic coatings, which can leach into acidic or oily contents. Other small swaps can also make a difference: bamboo toothbrushes, metal safety razors and plastic-free deodorants like Wild are all lower-impact options that help cut down on plastic use. By putting as many of these changes into practice as possible, I plan to retest my blood levels in three months. With any luck, I’ll be a little less plastic by then. (Photo: Anastasiia Krivenok/Getty)