Plastic has turned up in human blood, arteries and brains. We report what the research shows, name the companies making the mess, and vet the glass, steel, wood and clay that can replace it, against a standard we publish in full.
8 articles133 citationsEach one links to the study it came from.
Three peer-reviewed findings from the last four years. Read the caveats too: finding plastic in a body is not the same as proving it causes harm.
Blood: Plastic particles were measured in the blood of healthy volunteers, at a mean of 1.6 µg per milliliter: the first time plastic in human blood was quantified.
Arteries: Among 257 patients followed for about 34 months, those with micro- and nanoplastics in their artery plaque had 4.5 times the risk of heart attack, stroke or death. The study shows an association, not proof of cause.
Brain: Microplastic levels in human brain and liver samples rose significantly between 2016 and 2024, and were higher still in brains of people diagnosed with dementia.
A 2020 study found plastic baby bottles shed millions of particles per litre during formula prep. What it measured, who disputes it, and how to cut exposure without breaking formula safety rules.
The air and dust in your home carry more plastic than the air outside. What the studies measured, how much you might breathe in, why kids get more, and what helps.
Only 9% of the world's plastic waste gets recycled. What the number in the triangle, 'recyclable', 'compostable', 'plant-based' and 'BPA-free' actually tell you.
Polyester, nylon and acrylic shed fibres in the wash, the dryer and on your body. What the studies measure, where the fibres go, and which fixes have evidence behind them.
Every lab that looks finds plastic in bottled water, and the bottle and cap are part of the source. What the newest studies show, how solid the numbers are, and what helps.
In 1953, can and bottle makers founded Keep America Beautiful to make waste a personal failing, not an industrial one. Coca-Cola signed on, and still funds it.
Plastic particles have been found in human blood, brains, testes, placentas, breast milk and lungs. What the studies show, what they don't, and what to do about it.
Heat, scraping and time are what make kitchen plastic shed into food. Here are the swaps that matter most, in order, and the materials to replace them with.
You don't have to change everything at once. Pick the room where you use the most plastic, and start there.
Room photos: Kitchen & food storage, Photo: Shixart1985, CC BY 2.0; Drinking water, Photo: Shixart1985, CC BY 2.0; Personal care & bathroom, Photo: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, CC BY 2.0; Cleaning & laundry, Photo: Gill King, CC BY-SA 2.0; Clothing & textiles, Photo: Sadarama, CC BY-SA 4.0; Baby & kids, Photo: Lucas Pescador Barcelos, CC BY-SA 4.0; Home & bedroom, Photo: Liz Lawley, CC BY-SA 2.0; On the go, Photo: Unknown (via PxHere), CC0.
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