Microplastics (smaller than five millimeters) and nanoplastics (less than one micrometer) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants. These plastic particles have infiltrated nearly every biological system, including the human body. Their detection in human blood, lungs, placenta, and other tissues has generated public concern regarding the long-term health implications of this widespread exposure. Understanding how these particles enter the body is the first step in addressing these concerns.
Pathways of Plastic Ingestion and Absorption
Plastic particles primarily enter the body through ingestion and inhalation, reflecting their presence in food, water, and air. Ingestion is the most common route of exposure, occurring through contaminated food and drinking water. Estimates suggest an individual may ingest tens of thousands of microplastic particles annually through diet alone.
Common dietary sources include bottled water, which can contain double the microplastic levels of tap water, and seafood, particularly filter feeders like mussels and oysters. Food processing and packaging also contribute to intake, as plastic particles can be shed into products, especially when heated or stored.
Inhalation is another significant pathway, as airborne plastic particles originate from synthetic textiles, urban dust, and the wear of materials like tires. These particles are readily breathed in, with research modeling that an adult inhales over 60,000 particles each year.
The fate of these particles depends heavily on size. Larger microplastics mostly pass through the digestive tract in a process known as transit and are eliminated. Nanoplastics, however, are small enough to potentially cross the intestinal or lung epithelial barriers. Once absorbed, these nanoparticles can enter the systemic circulation and translocate to various organs, including the liver, kidneys, and brain, raising concerns about potential accumulation.
The Body’s Natural Clearance Processes
The body is equipped with physiological mechanisms designed to handle foreign particulate matter, which are partially effective in clearing plastic particles. The gastrointestinal tract eliminates undigested material. The majority of larger ingested microplastics are simply excreted via feces, preventing long-term retention.
Once smaller particles are absorbed into the bloodstream, the liver and kidneys become involved in filtration and excretion. These organs metabolize and remove foreign substances, attempting to process the plastic particles for elimination via urine or bile.
The immune system also attempts to neutralize these foreign materials. Specialized immune cells, such as macrophages, actively engulf smaller plastic particles that have translocated into tissues. This process is a natural defense mechanism, but the long-term consequences of plastic accumulation within these immune cells are an area of ongoing research. Physical activity, which stimulates the lymphatic system, may also support the movement and eventual clearance of some particulate matter.
Current State of Medical and Dietary Removal Solutions
Despite growing concern, there are currently no scientifically validated medical procedures or established dietary protocols proven to safely and effectively remove micro- or nanoplastics lodged in body tissues. Current research focuses on understanding the extent of accumulation, not on developing specific removal treatments. Claims about “detox” diets or supplements that clear the body of accumulated plastic particles are not supported by scientific evidence.
However, certain dietary practices support the body’s natural clearance of plastic particles still in the gut. High-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are beneficial because the fiber helps bulk up waste and may trap microplastics in the gut lumen. This facilitates the efficient elimination of particles through stool before they can be absorbed.
Adsorbent substances, including activated charcoal and bentonite clay, are sometimes suggested because they can bind to various toxins and particles in the digestive tract. While these may help capture microplastics in the gut, their effectiveness against nanoplastics that have already entered the tissues is unproven.
Medical science is exploring potential future interventions, but these remain theoretical or in very early stages of development. Researchers are investigating whether established blood-cleansing techniques, such as therapeutic apheresis, might be adapted to filter microplastics from the bloodstream. Other research is looking into the possibility of using chelation agents or modifying gut microbiota to biodegrade or bind to plastic particles. None of these approaches represent a current, available treatment for the general public, underscoring the limitations of intervention once absorption has occurred.
Reducing Future Exposure to Plastic Particles
Given the limitations of removing absorbed plastic particles, the most effective strategy for managing the risk is to minimize future intake.
Water Sources
A simple and impactful action is to evaluate drinking water sources. Switching from bottled water to filtered tap water, especially using a reverse osmosis or certified carbon block filter, can significantly reduce daily plastic particle ingestion.
Food Handling
Changing food handling and storage habits also limits ingestion. Avoid heating food in plastic containers, even if labeled as microwave-safe, because heat accelerates the release of plastic particles and associated chemicals. Instead, transfer food to glass, ceramic, or stainless steel before microwaving.
Indoor Air Quality
Improving indoor air quality is another important preventative step, as many airborne plastic particles originate from synthetic household items. Using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in the home can capture a significant amount of airborne microplastics. Further reduction can be achieved by vacuuming frequently with a HEPA-equipped vacuum and choosing natural-fiber clothing over synthetics.