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Despite microplastics being everywhere — in clothing, cleaning products, food, water, and air — new scientific assessments are challenging previous claims that these tiny particles accumulate inside the human body.

Several experts told The Guardian that some widely circulated studies on microplastics are “biologically implausible” and even “a joke.” Chemist Roger Culeman commented: “Many researchers make extraordinary claims but don’t provide even basic evidence.”

The History of Microplastic Research

The first major study suggesting humans ingest microplastics dates back to 2018, when Austrian scientists analyzed stool samples from eight countries and reportedly found microplastics in every sample. Later studies claimed to detect particles in various organs and tissues — from the placenta and kidneys to the lungs and liver.

However, journalists found that at least seven widely cited studies have since been criticized. Some reviews showed that human tissue itself can produce signals mimicking plastic, resulting in false positives.

A study claiming to find microplastics in the human brain drew particular skepticism. German expert Dusan Materich called it “a joke”, explaining: “Fat is known to give false signals for polyethylene. The brain is 60% fat.”

Skepticism About Biological Plausibility

Other researchers question the reported amounts of microplastics in the body. Environmental chemist Cassandra Raurt noted: “Given typical daily exposure, it’s biologically improbable for such quantities of plastic to end up in organs.”

Fazel Monik, a nanomaterials specialist at the University of Padua, added that even if a particle reaches a protected organ, it wouldn’t appear as depicted in most published studies.

Practical Takeaways

While the criticism points to methodological flaws and potential exaggeration, scientists stress that the risks shouldn’t be completely ignored. Microplastics can carry toxic chemicals that may trigger inflammation, cell damage, hormone disruption, gut microbiome imbalance, reduced fertility, and increased chronic disease risk.

Experts recommend simple precautions, like avoiding drinking from plastic bottles and heating food in plastic containers, the main dietary sources of microplastics.

Raurt emphasized: “We need accurate data to inform public health authorities, governments, and the public, and to develop proper regulations and policies.”

Materich concluded: “Microplastics in our bodies? Probably. But it’s wise to take precautions to minimize the risks — that’s what I do myself.”

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