What Are Microplastics? How They Get Into Our Bodies and Why It Matters
- By : Paul Clotar
- 19-April-2025
We’re exposed to a lot of things every day without even realizing it. But one of the most concerning; Are curious what are microplastics? Tiny plastic particles, often invisible to the eye, making their way into our bodies. These are called microplastics—and they’re showing up in everything from our food to our blood, highlighting the growing issue of plastic pollution .
So what exactly are microplastics, how do they end up inside us, and should we be worried? These are real questions we’re hearing more often, and for good reason. Studies are beginning to reveal potential links between microplastics and inflammation, hormone disruption, and other health issues, raising significant health risks but most of us don’t even know we’re carrying them.
At MicroplastX, we believe knowledge is the first step toward better health. That’s why we offer a quick and accurate microplastics blood test kit—so you can stop guessing and start understanding what’s really going on inside your body.
What Exactly Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny particles, specifically tiny plastic fragments less than five millimeters in size—about as small as a grain of sand or even smaller. They’re not something we can usually see, but they’re all around us. These particles are either manufactured that way or form when bigger plastic items break down over time. That includes everything from water bottles to shopping bags to synthetic fabrics.
There are two types to know about:
- Primary microplastics: Made small on purpose—used in things like industrial cleaners or older cosmetics.
- Secondary microplastics: Come from larger plastic products breaking apart over time.
Because plastic doesn’t biodegrade the same way organic material does, these tiny pieces just keep circulating. They drift through rivers and oceans, settle into the soil, and even float in the air. Eventually, they find their way into our bodies. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, microplastics have been detected in over 114 aquatic species, many of which end up on our plates.
Their size is what makes them a real concern. Small particles can move through filtration systems and even into the human bloodstream. That’s why people are becoming more aware of their exposure and starting to ask the right questions. One way to get answers is with a simple microplastics blood test kit, which shows whether or not these particles are present in your system.
Where Microplastics Are Hiding
Microplastics aren’t just floating in the ocean—they’re in our homes, our food, and even the air we breathe. The more we learn about where they show up, the more it becomes clear that avoiding them entirely is nearly impossible.
Here are some of the most common (and unexpected) places microplastics are found:
- Tap water and bottled water
- Salt, especially sea salt
- Seafood, including shrimp and shellfish
- Processed and prepackaged food
- Household dust and indoor air
- Clothing made from synthetic fibers
- Tea bags sealed with plastic
- Non-stick cooking pans and utensils
A study by Orb Media found plastic particles in more than 80 percent of tap water samples collected from five continents. Bottled water didn’t do any better—in fact, it sometimes contained even more.
Laundry is another source that often gets overlooked. Every time we wash polyester or nylon clothing, tiny plastic fibers break off. These microplastic particles, also known as microfibers, can escape filtration systems and enter waterways. Over time, they make their way back into our homes, foods, and lungs.
The problem isn’t just outside—it’s inside, and it’s personal. That’s why understanding where microplastics are hiding is such a crucial step. If we don’t know how they’re getting in, it’s hard to do anything about it. Knowing what we’re exposed to starts with paying attention—and asking the right questions.
How Microplastics Get Into Our Bodies
One of the most common ways microplastics enter our bodies is through ingestion. These particles are found in seafood, sea salt, bottled water, and even prepackaged foods. Whenever we eat something that’s been exposed to plastic—either in the ocean or through packaging—we run the risk of swallowing tiny plastic fragments that often include harmful chemical additives .
The seafood connection is especially important. Microplastics are consumed by smaller marine life, which are then eaten by larger fish, and eventually by us. This buildup, known as bioaccumulation, means that we could be consuming more plastic than we think just by enjoying a piece of sushi or a grilled fillet.
We’re Breathing Them In, Too
Microplastics aren’t just in our food. They’re also in the air. Fibers from synthetic clothing, carpet, and furniture break off during regular use. These airborne particles float around indoors and outdoors and can be inhaled without us realizing it. A study found microplastic fibers in 100 percent of indoor air samples collected from urban households.
Even the simple act of doing laundry contributes. Clothes made with polyester, nylon, or acrylic shed thousands of microfibers every wash cycle. These microfibers get into the air or water and eventually make their way back into our homes—or our lungs.
Could They Get In Through Our Skin?
This is still being studied, but some early research suggests that long-term exposure through skin contact could be possible. Microplastics are used in some cosmetic products and personal care items. If those particles sit on our skin for long periods—especially when combined with heat or friction—they may enter through microscopic openings.
We don’t fully understand the risks here yet, but it’s another reason people are starting to pay more attention.
Why It Matters More Than We Realize
The presence of microplastics in human blood has been confirmed and can be tested. That means these particles aren’t just passing through us—they’re potentially moving around our entire body, reaching organs, tissues, and even our brains.
This changes the conversation. It’s not just about what we’re exposed to, it’s about what stays with us. That’s why testing is becoming such an important part of the conversation. Without data, we’re just guessing. With it, we can take action that actually protects our long-term health.
Why Microplastics Are a Big Deal for Human Health
Microplastics might be tiny, but their potential impact on the human body is anything but small. Scientists are now studying how these particles may trigger inflammation, disrupt hormones, and weaken gut health. Since plastics can carry toxic chemicals, including endocrine disrupting chemicals they don’t just physically exist in the body—they may also interfere with the way our systems function.
Some early findings suggest that microplastics could:
- Trigger immune responses that lead to chronic inflammation
- Disrupt endocrine functions, impacting hormones and metabolism
- Damage the lining of the gut and affect nutrient absorption
The Research Is Just Getting Started
It’s important to note that we’re still in the early stages of understanding what microplastics do once they’re inside us. Long-term human studies are limited, but growing fast. In fact, there is a need for more data from animal studies , especially on how microplastics affect children, pregnant people, and those with chronic conditions.
That uncertainty is exactly what makes this issue so important. Just because we don’t have all the answers yet doesn’t mean we should wait around. Testing gives us a proactive way to respond—even if the science is still evolving.
Testing Is About Empowerment
We’ve talked to people who feel overwhelmed, unsure, or even skeptical about the idea of microplastics in the body. That’s normal. But it’s not about fear—it’s about clarity. With accurate testing, we can make smarter lifestyle choices without spiraling into worry or confusion.
Our team at MicroplastX created a simple test to make this easy for anyone to access. You can explore how it works and see what goes into our science-first approach.
What We’re Learning Is Just the Start
We’ve only begun to scratch the surface when it comes to understanding how microplastics affect human health. But the fact that we’ve already found them in our blood, organs, and lungs is enough to take this seriously. This isn’t a niche environmental issue—it’s personal, and it’s happening now.
Understanding what’s going on inside our bodies is the first step. From there, we can make meaningful changes that help reduce future exposure and protect our well-being.
How Microplastics Get Into Our Bodies
The most common way microplastics enter our bodies is through food and beverages. These particles have been found in seafood, sea salt, bottled water, and even fresh produce. When we eat something that’s been in contact with plastic—or that comes from animals exposed to it—we could be swallowing microplastic fragments without knowing it.
Seafood is a major source. Smaller ocean creatures eat microplastics, and those particles build up through the food chain. By the time we eat fish or shellfish, we could be consuming plastics that have passed through multiple marine species.
We’re Breathing Them In, Too
It’s not just what we eat or drink. Microplastics are in the air we breathe. They come from synthetic clothing, carpets, vehicle tires, and household dust. These fibers and particles float in both indoor and outdoor air and are small enough to get deep into our lung
Skin Contact Might Be Another Route
This area is still being researched, but some believe that long-term skin contact with microplastic-containing products could lead to absorption. Skincare and cosmetic products, especially those with microbeads or plastic packaging, may be contributing in ways we don’t fully understand yet, potentially affecting our gastrointestinal tract .
We still need more studies here, but the idea that microplastics can be absorbed through skin isn’t off the table. Combined with heat, abrasion, or open pores, even topical exposure could play a role.
Knowing Our Exposure Is Key
Since there are microplastics in human blood, these particles aren’t just passing through our digestive systems—they’re circulating in our bodies, reaching organs, and possibly affecting how we function.
That’s why we believe it’s so important to know what we’re dealing with. Understanding your personal exposure is the first step toward making changes that matter. You can use a simple test for microplastics at home without any specialist lab equipment.
Why Microplastics Are a Big Deal for Human Health
Microplastics may be small, but their potential impact on human health is anything but. These particles can carry toxic chemicals, interfere with our immune systems, and may even affect how our organs work. Early research has already linked microplastics to inflammation, hormone disruption, and changes in gut health.
Here’s what scientists are starting to uncover:
- Chronic inflammation caused by immune responses to foreign particles
- Hormone imbalances triggered by plastic-related chemicals
- Impacts on gut bacteria and nutrient absorption
We Don’t Have All the Answers Yet
One of the biggest challenges is that long-term human studies are just beginning. We don’t know everything, but what we do know is concerning enough to pay attention. There is an enormous need to study the effects of plastic particles on children, pregnant individuals, and people with chronic illnesses.
That doesn’t mean we should panic, it means being proactive about finding the effects of microplastics on our bodies. Understanding your baseline exposure level is a smart starting point.
Data Helps Us Take Control
Rather than wondering what’s in our bodies, testing gives us real answers. That knowledge helps us make smarter lifestyle choices, reduce risk where we can, and stay ahead of a growing health issue.
A Personal Issue That Affects All of Us
This isn’t just an environmental issue, it’s a personal one too. Microplastics are in our homes, our meals, and our bodies. And while the research is still developing, the early signs are clear: this is something worth paying attention to now, not later.
Understanding what’s happening inside our bodies is step one. What we do with that knowledge is what counts.
Common Myths About Microplastics
“We just pee them out.”
This is one of the most common assumptions, and while it sounds convenient, it’s not entirely true. Some microplastics may pass through the digestive system and leave the body, but not all do. The smallest particles can cross into the bloodstream and potentially stay there for much longer than we’d like.
Plastic particles can be found in blood samples, meaning they aren’t just simply being flushed out—they are circulating. That’s a sign these aren’t harmless traces. These plastic materials might linger, interact with our cells, and do things we don’t fully understand yet.
“They’re too small to cause real damage.”
Size doesn’t always mean safety. The problem with microplastics is because they’re so small, they can move through parts of the body that larger toxins can’t reach. Some are even small enough to enter individual cells. That gives them a level of access that larger particles don’t have.
Plus, these plastics often come attached to other harmful substances—like heavy metals or pollutants—that hitch a ride through our systems. So it’s not just about the plastic. It’s also about what comes with it.
“This is just a trend that’ll pass.”
We wish that were true. But the reality is, microplastics are showing up in new studies almost weekly. In oceans, in food, in the human body. They’re not going away—they’re building up.
What We Can Do Right Now
Let’s be real. None of us are going to eliminate microplastics completely. But we can reduce how much we’re exposed to, and we can take smart steps to understand our own risk. That starts with knowing what’s in our bodies.
That’s why testing matters. It’s not about fear—it’s about having real data to act on. We created MicroplastX for exactly this reason: to give people a way to take control of the unknown. If you want to know what’s going on inside your body, this is where to start.
Small Changes Add Up
You don’t need to overhaul your entire life to make a difference. Reducing microplastic exposure is about simple, daily choices. Here are a few that can help:
- Use a water filter that removes particles down to a few microns
- Avoid heating food in plastic containers
- Choose fresh food over heavily packaged options
- Switch to natural fabrics like cotton or linen
- Use tea bags made from paper, not nylon
- Vacuum and dust regularly to cut indoor microplastic levels
Every step helps. Even just being aware of what contributes to exposure can shift habits over time.
It’s Never Too Late To Act
The earlier we understand what’s happening in our bodies, the sooner we can protect ourselves and our families. And it’s not just about avoiding plastics—it’s about pushing for better solutions in everything from manufacturing to healthcare.
If you’re ready to take the next step, test for microplastics quickly. At MicroplastX, we walk you through how testing works and how it can help you make better choices going forward.
Taking The First Step To Reduce Microplastics
We’re living in a time where plastic is everywhere—and now, it’s even inside us. Microplastics aren’t just an environmental issue anymore. They’re showing up in our food, our water, and even in our bodies. The science is still evolving, but what we know so far is enough to take it seriously.
Thankfully, we’re not powerless. We can make smarter choices, reduce our exposure, and get clearer about what’s happening inside our bodies. We don’t have to wait for more headlines or studies. We can act now, starting with simple changes and better awareness.
Microplastics are real. They’re not a trend or a scare tactic—they’re part of our reality. But the more we learn, the better prepared we are to handle it. Whether it’s through lifestyle changes or testing, what matters is taking that first step.
At MicroplastX, we recommend that a good first step is to test for microplastics at home and take your first step toward reducing microplastics with confidence.
What Are Microplastics?
How They Get Into Our Bodies and Why It Matters
The most reliable way is to take a test for microplastics, like the one offered by MicroplastX. It measures plastic particles in your blood so you can see how much exposure you already have.
Yes, especially when they’re small enough to enter the bloodstream. This blog explains how they get into the body—and MicroplastX shows whether they’re still there.
MicroplastX uses high-precision analysis to detect and classify microplastic particles in your blood. It’s one of the few direct tests available for measuring internal exposure.
The test is designed to identify common synthetic particles like polyethylene, polypropylene, and PET—some of the most frequently found in the human body.
Some particles may pass through your system, but others can be absorbed quickly—sometimes within hours. MicroplastX helps confirm how much is sticking around.
Potentially, yes. Inhaled particles may bypass digestion and enter the lungs or bloodstream directly. This blog outlines those risks, and MicroplastX testing can detect the overall result of exposure.
Absolutely. The test provides data on particle type and volume, so you can see how your exposure compares to common levels and make informed choices.
Many people carry microplastics without symptoms. MicroplastX helps uncover hidden exposure early—before health issues arise.
Early studies suggest possible links to inflammation, hormone disruption, and immune issues. That’s why MicroplastX created a test to help people get ahead of potential risks.
It explains how microplastics enter the body and why testing matters. MicroplastX gives you the tools to measure exactly what’s happening in your own system.
Yes. Some particles are tiny enough to pass through the gut wall or enter through the lungs and circulate throughout the body.
Estimates suggest we may ingest thousands of particles weekly through food, water, and air. The exact amount varies by lifestyle and environment.
Some studies have found microplastics in placenta samples, which raises concern about fetal exposure. More research is underway.
Microplastics are particles smaller than 5mm. Nanoplastics are even smaller—measured in billionths of a meter—and may be harder for the body to eliminate.
Yes, many personal care items contain microbeads or polymers. These can enter the water supply and eventually end up in our bodies.