Microplastics are now part of us – in our blood, lungs, guts, even our brains. Scientists estimate the average person may carry around 5g of plastic internally, about a teaspoon’s worth. What this means for our health is still unclear, but growing evidence suggests these tiny particles may be changing how our bodies work.
Researchers at the University of Graz recently found that microplastics can alter gut bacteria and the chemicals they produce. Some of these shifts resemble patterns linked to depression and colorectal cancer. “Reducing microplastic exposure where possible is a wise precaution,” said Dr Christian Pacher-Deutsch, who led the study.
Microplastics come from packaging, clothing, cosmetics, tyres and more. They’re small enough to slip through our organs and into our cells. “We’re finding them in almost every tissue studied,” said Dr Jaime Ross from the University of Rhode Island. Her research showed mice exposed to microplastics became restless and had signs of brain damage linked to dementia and depression.
Human studies have since detected plastic in the brains of dementia patients and in arterial plaques, which increased the risk of heart attack or stroke fivefold. But scientists caution against panic. “We still don’t know what these numbers mean,” said Prof Stephanie Wright of Imperial College London. “The methods differ, and we can’t yet say how harmful microplastics really are.”
Different types, shapes and sizes of plastics likely behave differently inside the body. Smaller particles are more likely to cross barriers into organs, but researchers warn that animal data may not translate neatly to humans.
Still, some scientists are changing their habits. “Minimising exposure is probably beneficial overall,” said Wright. Encouragingly, older people don’t seem to carry more plastic than younger ones, suggesting our bodies might clear them out over time.
How to Cut Your Microplastic Exposure
- Avoid heating food or drinks in plastic. Use glass or stainless steel instead.
- Ditch teabags sealed with plastic glue; try loose-leaf tea.
- Replace plastic chopping boards with wood.
- Choose natural fabrics for bedding and clothes.
- Check cosmetics for ingredients like polyethylene or acrylates.
- Walk away from traffic to reduce airborne microplastic inhalation.
- Reuse plastic containers for non-food storage instead of throwing them away.
Scientists say it’s impossible to avoid microplastics completely. But by cutting down where we can, we may reduce both personal exposure and the wider environmental toll — one small step toward unwrapping our plastic-coated lives.
