Microplastics (MPs) are tiny fragments of plastic debris measuring between 1 nanometer and 5 millimeters. These particles, which include even smaller nanoplastics, are largely invisible and are a byproduct of the breakdown of larger plastic items or are intentionally manufactured to be small. Recent scientific research has confirmed the presence of these particles circulating in human blood, suggesting widespread exposure throughout the population. Understanding how MPs enter the body and the current limitations on their removal is a growing area of scientific and public health concern.
How Microplastics Enter the Human Body and Circulate
Microplastics enter the body through two primary pathways: ingestion and inhalation. Ingesting contaminated food and water is a significant route, as MPs are found in bottled water, tap water, seafood, and table salt. The breakdown of plastic packaging, especially when food is heated, also contributes to this oral exposure. Inhalation of airborne fibers is another major pathway, particularly from synthetic fabrics and common household dust.
Once inside the body, the smallest particles, particularly nanoplastics, can cross the biological barriers of the gut or the lungs. The bloodstream acts as a transportation system, carrying these tiny particles throughout the body to various organs and tissues. Studies have identified common plastic types in blood samples, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from bottles and polyethylene used in packaging. This systemic circulation confirms that microplastics are distributed throughout the human physiological system.
Why Medical Removal of Microplastics is Currently Not Feasible
Currently, there are no established, standardized medical treatments designed to efficiently remove microplastics from the human circulatory system. The process is complicated by the extreme heterogeneity of the particles, which vary widely in size, shape, and chemical composition. A single filtration method is impractical when dealing with particles ranging from nanometers to micrometers. Conventional medical filtration techniques, like standard dialysis, are not equipped to capture the full spectrum of these diverse plastic fragments.
Many particles are not freely floating but may be embedded within tissues or incorporated into cellular structures, making systemic blood filtration insufficient for complete removal. Claims promoting unproven “detox” supplements or procedures for microplastic removal lack scientific backing and should be viewed with skepticism. Emerging research is exploring therapeutic apheresis, a blood filtration technique similar to dialysis, which has shown potential to remove microplastic-like particles from blood plasma. This procedure is still in the early stages of investigation and is not yet a generally available clinical treatment.
Reducing Exposure to Limit Microplastic Ingestion
Since medical removal is not a current option, reducing daily exposure remains the most effective strategy for limiting microplastic accumulation.
Reducing Ingestion
Changing food storage and preparation habits is a significant step to limit ingestion.
- Avoid heating food in plastic containers, as heat accelerates the shedding and leaching of microplastics into your meal.
- Use glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers for both storage and microwaving to minimize exposure.
- Filtering drinking water is important; Reverse osmosis (RO) filtration systems are highly effective at removing microplastic particles.
- When purchasing salt, choosing rock or mined salts may reduce the microplastic content often found in sea salt.
- Limiting the consumption of single-use plastic items, like bottled water and plastic-wrapped processed foods, also directly lowers ingestion.
Reducing Inhalation
To reduce inhalation exposure, focus on improving indoor air quality, as household dust is a major source of microplastic fibers.
- Regularly use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, which effectively removes most airborne microplastics.
- Reduce the source material by choosing clothing made from natural fibers like cotton or wool over synthetics such as polyester and nylon.
- When washing synthetic clothes, consider using a specialized filter device installed on the washing machine to capture microfibers before they enter the wastewater.
Potential Health Effects of Circulating Microplastics
The long-term effects of circulating microplastics on human health are still under investigation, with current understanding derived from in vitro and animal studies. One concern is the physical interaction of the particles with biological systems, where MPs act as foreign bodies that trigger an immune response. Studies show these particles can induce inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular damage, potentially compromising cell membranes. Research has linked microplastics in artery plaque to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in patients with cardiovascular disease.
A second major concern is the chemical load carried by the microplastics themselves. The fragments can act as carriers, adsorbing environmental toxins and releasing chemical additives used in their manufacture, such as phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA). These leached chemicals are known endocrine disruptors that can interfere with hormonal balance and metabolic function, suggesting a plausible mechanism for cellular disruption and increased health risk.