The Plastic Plague: How Microplastics Leach into your body & are Accumulating in You
The latest research shows microplastics are crossing the blood-brain barrier in unprecedented amounts—raising urgent concerns about neurological health.
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, formed either intentionally or as a result of the gradual degradation of larger plastic materials. Unlike organic matter, which decomposes through microbial activity and returns to the natural cycle, plastic does not biodegrade. Instead, it undergoes a process called photodegradation when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, as well as mechanical and chemical degradation from environmental factors such as wind, water, and heat. These forces cause plastic to fragment into progressively smaller and smaller particles, breaking down into microscopic polymers but never truly disappearing.
Every plastic item ever produced since mass production began in the 1950s still exists in some form today. Whether in landfills, floating in the ocean, or embedded in soil, plastic continuously sheds micro- and nanoplastics, which infiltrate ecosystems, food chains, and even human bodies. This means that the millions of tons of plastic waste generated each year do not simply "go away"—they persist indefinitely, accumulating in the environment and posing long-term risks to both wildlife and human health.
In short, plastic NEVER goes away; it only breaks apart into smaller, invisible threats, but it NEVER truly disappears. EVER!
As a result, microplastics have become inescapable, infiltrating nearly every aspect of our environment and making their way into our bodies through countless sources. They are present in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the oceans and waterways that sustain marine life. They contaminate the soil that grows our food and the proteins we consume—beef, chicken, turkey, pork, and fish. Even the fabrics we wear, the carpets beneath our feet, and the bedding we sleep on shed microplastic fibers, ensuring constant exposure. In short, microplastics are everywhere, silently embedding themselves into our daily lives.
Where Do Microplastics Come From?
Microplastics enter the environment through multiple pathways:
Industrial Pollution – Factories release plastic debris and byproducts into the air, water, and soil.
Tire Wear – Each time a vehicle drives, microplastics shed from tire rubber, dispersing into the environment.
Textile Shedding – Washing synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon releases billions of plastic microfibers into wastewater.
Plastic Packaging – Food and drink packaging degrades over time, leaching microplastics directly into what we consume.
Cosmetics & Personal Care Products – Many scrubs, toothpastes, and makeup products contain microplastic beads that wash directly into waterways.
Agricultural Practices – Plastics used in farming, including mulch films and pesticides, contribute to microplastic contamination in soil and crops.
Two Main Types of Microplastics:
Primary Microplastics – These are manufactured to be small, such as microbeads in cosmetics, synthetic fibers in textiles, and plastic pellets used in industrial processes.
Secondary Microplastics – These result from the degradation of larger plastic objects like bottles, bags, and synthetic rubber tires. Exposure to sunlight, wind, and mechanical stress breaks plastics into microscopic fragments, which then infiltrate air, water, soil, and food supplies.
Microplastics are now found everywhere: from the deep ocean trenches to Arctic ice, from tap water to human breast milk and placentas. Recent research even confirms their presence in the brain, in alarming rates that far exceed scientific predictions, raising urgent health concerns.
How Prolific Are Microplastics?
Microplastics have become an inescapable part of modern life, infiltrating various aspects of our environment and daily consumption. Recent studies have provided alarming statistics regarding human exposure to these tiny particles:
Annual Ingestion Estimates: Research indicates that the average human ingests between 74,000 to 121,000 microplastic particles per year. Individuals who consume bottled water exclusively may ingest an additional 90,000 particles annually, compared to 4,000 particles for those who drink only tap water.
Presence in Human Tissues:
Placenta: Microplastics have been detected in 100% of human placentas, raising concerns about potential impacts on fetal development. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Lungs: Studies have found microplastics in 80% of human lung tissue samples, indicating inhalation as a significant exposure route. sciencenews.org
Brain: Recent research has identified microplastics in human brain tissues, suggesting these particles can cross the blood-brain barrier. nationalgeographic.com
Environmental Ubiquity:
Bottled Water: A study found that 93% of bottled water samples from 11 different brands showed microplastic contamination, with an average of 325 particles per liter. en.wikipedia.org
Seafood: Microplastics have been detected in 100% of ocean fish tested for plastic contamination, indicating a pathway for human exposure through diet. medicaltoxic.com
These findings underscore the pervasive nature of microplastics and highlight the importance of understanding their potential health impacts. Their omnipresence means that no one is exempt from exposure, making it crucial to understand the potential dangers they pose.
The Chemical Composition of Microplastics: A Toxic Cocktail
Plastics are composed of synthetic polymers, but they do not exist in their pure form—they contain a variety of toxic additives that enhance durability, flexibility, and appearance. These chemicals leach into human tissues, wreaking havoc at a cellular level.
Key Plastic Polymers and Their Associated Toxins:
Polyethylene (PE) – Found in plastic bags, food wraps, and bottles. Contains phthalates, which disrupt hormone function.
Polypropylene (PP) – Used in yogurt containers and bottle caps. Releases antioxidants and stabilizers that have unknown long-term effects.
Polystyrene (PS) – Common in foam cups and food containers. Leaches styrene, a potential carcinogen.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – Used in plumbing pipes and packaging. Contains bisphenols, lead, and cadmium, known endocrine disruptors and neurotoxins.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) – Found in most plastic water bottles. Leaches antimony, linked to heart and lung disease.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) – Used in electronics and toys. Contains flame retardants and heavy metals, which accumulate in organs.
Plastic Additives That Increase Toxicity:
Plastics are engineered to be durable, but the chemicals added to enhance performance also make them hazardous to health:
Phthalates & BPA (Bisphenol A) – Disrupt the endocrine system, affecting fertility and hormone regulation.
Flame Retardants – Used in plastics for electronics and upholstery, linked to cognitive decline and developmental disorders.
Heavy Metals (Lead, Cadmium, Mercury) – Common in colored plastics and coatings, damaging the nervous system and kidneys.
UV Stabilizers & Plasticizers – Cause oxidative stress in cells, leading to chronic inflammation and potential cancer risks.
Why Microplastics Are So Dangerous
Beyond their chemical toxicity, microplastics pose a physical and biological threat:
They Penetrate Tissues and Organs
Microplastics have been detected in the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, placenta, and bloodstream.
They can cross the blood-brain barrier, exposing neurons to plastic toxins.
They Induce Chronic Inflammation
Microplastics cause persistent immune activation, leading to autoimmune disorders and systemic inflammation.
They Act as Trojan Horses for Other Toxins
Due to their porous nature, microplastics absorb pesticides, heavy metals, and other environmental pollutants, transporting them deep into tissues.
Diseases Linked to Microplastic Exposure
Recent studies suggest microplastics may contribute to:
Neurodegenerative Disorders – Microplastics in the brain have been linked to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease due to oxidative stress and inflammation.
Hormonal Imbalances – Plastics interfere with estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones, leading to infertility, PCOS, and metabolic disorders.
Cardiovascular Disease – Plastic exposure is correlated with increased risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
Gut Dysbiosis & Autoimmune Diseases – Microplastics disrupt gut microbiota, triggering IBS, Crohn’s, and leaky gut syndrome.
Cancer – Chemicals in plastics, such as BPA and phthalates, are known carcinogens linked to breast, prostate, and liver cancers.
How to Reduce Exposure to Microplastics
Reducing microplastic ingestion is essential for maintaining health. Here are strategies to minimize exposure, along with companies actively addressing this issue:
1. Choose Filtered Tap Water Over Bottled Water
Switching from bottled water to filtered tap water can significantly decrease microplastic consumption. A study highlighted that this change can reduce annual microplastic intake from approximately 90,000 to 4,000 particles.
2. Avoid Heating Food in Plastic Containers
Heating food in plastic can release microplastics into your meals. It's advisable to use glass, ceramic, or stainless-steel containers for microwaving or storing hot foods.
3. Limit Consumption of Processed Foods
Highly processed foods often contain higher levels of microplastics due to extensive contact with plastic during manufacturing. Choosing fresh, whole foods can reduce this exposure.
4. Use Alternative Food Storage Solutions
Beeswax wraps are a sustainable alternative to plastic wraps for food storage. They are reusable, biodegradable, and help keep food fresh without the risk of leaching microplastics.
5. Support Companies Committed to Reducing Microplastics
Seatopia: The world’s first regenerative aquaculture company, this is company delivers certified-clean seafood that is lab-tested to ensure it is mercury-safe and free from detectable microplastics. They partner with regenerative aquaculture farms to provide sushi-grade, ocean-friendly products. Seatopia.fish
This is where I purchase ALL my fish every month as a subscription, delivered straight to my front door, and I have written an entire article on Regenerative Aquaculture and the benefits of eating this kind of fish. A Sustainable Path to Optimal Health - Regenerative AquacultureFinless Foods: Specializing in cell-cultured seafood, Finless Foods aims to provide sustainable fish options without the environmental contaminants found in traditional seafood, including microplastics. en.wikipedia.org
Polymateria: This British company has developed a technology called Biotransformation, which enables plastics to biodegrade without leaving microplastic residues.
VerTerra: Specializing in sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics, VerTerra offers products like palm leaf plates and bowls, which are compostable and reduce reliance on plastic disposables.
Frosta: A German-based frozen food company, Frosta has transitioned to 100% plastic-free packaging made from paper sourced from FSC-certified forestry, aiming to minimize plastic pollution.
Implementing these measures and supporting companies dedicated to reducing microplastics can collectively decrease your microplastic intake and contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
Conclusion: The Urgency to Act
Microplastics are no longer an environmental afterthought—they are an immediate health crisis. Their ability to persist indefinitely in our bodies and the planet means that the damage will compound across generations unless we take decisive action.
The question is no longer “Are we exposed?” but “How much damage is being done?” The fight against microplastics requires collective effort, but small daily changes can help protect you from their toxic reach.
The sooner we act, the better chance we have at reclaiming a world where plastic isn’t poisoning our bodies and future generations.
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References
Cox, K. D., Covernton, G. A., Davies, H. L., Dower, J. F., Juanes, F., & Dudas, S. E. (2019). Human Consumption of Microplastics. Environmental Science & Technology, 53(12), 7068–7074.
Leslie, H. A., van Velzen, M. J. M., Brandsma, S. H., Vethaak, A. D., Garcia-Vallejo, J. J., & Lamoree, M. H. (2022). Discovery and quantification of plastic particle pollution in human blood. Environment International, 163, 107199.
Ragusa, A., Svelato, A., Santacroce, C., Catalano, P., Notarstefano, V., Carnevali, O., ... & Giorgini, E. (2021). Plasticenta: First evidence of microplastics in human placenta. Environment International, 146, 106274.
Campen, M. J., Garcia, M. A., & Olewine, M. (2025). Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains. Nature Medicine, 31(2), 123–129.
Schwabl, P., Köppel, S., Königshofer, P., Bucsics, T., Trauner, M., & Liebmann, B. (2019). Detection of various microplastics in human stool: a prospective case series. Annals of Internal Medicine, 171(7), 453–457.
Mason, S. A., Welch, V. G., & Neratko, J. (2018). Synthetic polymer contamination in bottled water. Frontiers in Chemistry, 6, 407.
Barboza, L. G. A., Vethaak, A. D., Lavorante, B. R. B. O., Lundebye, A. K., & Guilhermino, L. (2018). Marine microplastic debris: An emerging issue for food security, food safety and human health. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 133, 336–348.
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