29/01/2026
How Worried Should We Be About Microplastics in the Human Body?
Much of the current anxiety regarding microplastics in the human body stems from a few high-profile studies. To understand the actual risk, we must look past the headlines and into the difficulties of measuring these particles at the limits of modern science. Microplastics function as carriers, carrying endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA and phthalates deep into tissues. Once inside, these additives leach out, potentially interfering with hormonal health.
Key Distinction: The chemical byproduct is a known risk; the physical particle’s impact remains uncertain.
Scientists often identify plastics using Py-GC-MS, heating tissue to analyse the fumes. However, 2025 critiques highlight a major hurdle: the brain is ~60% fat. Without removing these fats, the “plastic” detected may actually be the patient’s own tissue. Without rigorous “blank” controls, it is difficult to know if plastic was in the tissue or introduced during testing. Headlines frequently treat early findings as settled facts, stating “microplastics are in X organ”. In reality, measuring tiny particles in biological samples is complex; results vary and require independent reproduction before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Since the harm from chemical additives (e.g. BPA) is well established, reducing exposure is a practical middle ground while evidence on physical particles evolves.
Head to slide 7 to find out our view 👀
