Microplastics in Your Blood: What the Latest Research Says
In 2022, scientists made a disturbing discovery: microplastics are now circulating in human blood.
This isn't science fiction. It's peer-reviewed research — and it affects you.
The Landmark Study
Researchers at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam published findings in the journal Environment International showing that microplastics were detected in 80% of human blood samples tested.
The most common plastics found:
- PET (used in water bottles and food packaging)
- Polystyrene (used in food containers and packaging)
- Polyethylene (used in plastic bags)
This was the first study to detect plastic particles in human blood.
How Do Microplastics Enter Your Body?
Microplastics come from:
- Food stored in plastic containers
- Bottled water
- Seafood that absorbed ocean plastic
- Airborne particles from synthetic fabrics
- Cosmetics and personal care products
A study by WWF International estimated the average person consumes approximately 5 grams of plastic per week — about the weight of a credit card.
Where Else Have Microplastics Been Found?
Since the blood study, researchers have detected microplastics in:
- Human lung tissue (Hull York Medical School, 2022)
- Placenta (Environment International, 2020)
- Breast milk (Polymers journal, 2022)
- Human stool (University of Vienna, 2018)
The particles are small enough to cross cell membranes and accumulate in organs.
What Are the Health Risks?
Research is ongoing, but scientists are concerned about:
- Inflammation and cellular damage
- Hormone disruption from plastic additives
- Potential links to cancer
- Immune system effects
- Accumulation in organs over time
A study in the Journal of Hazardous Materials found that microplastics can cause cell death and allergic reactions in laboratory settings.
How to Reduce Your Exposure
You can't eliminate microplastics entirely, but you can reduce exposure:
- Stop storing food in plastic containers
- Avoid microwaving plastic
- Use a water filter (reverse osmosis removes microplastics)
- Choose glass, silicone, or stainless steel storage
- Avoid bottled water when possible
The Bottom Line
Microplastics are in your blood. The science is clear.
The biggest controllable source is your food storage. Switching away from plastic containers is one of the most effective steps you can take.
ITPC silicone bags and food covers are made from food-grade silicone that doesn't shed microplastics. They're FDA compliant and built to last 30+ years.
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References
Leslie HA, et al. "Discovery and quantification of plastic particle pollution in human blood." Environment International, 2022.
Jenner LC, et al. "Detection of microplastics in human lung tissue." Science of The Total Environment, 2022.
Ragusa A, et al. "Plasticenta: First evidence of microplastics in human placenta." Environment International, 2020.
Senathirajah K, et al. "Estimation of the mass of microplastics ingested." WWF International, 2019.
Prata JC, et al. "Environmental exposure to microplastics: An overview on possible human health effects." Science of The Total Environment, 2020.
