Plastic in Our Veins: The Silent Invasion of Microplastics

Plastic in Our Veins: The Silent Invasion of Microplastics

RITURAJ PHUKAN

They’re in the ocean. They’re in the clouds. They’re in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink — and now, they’re in us.

Microplastics, once thought of as a distant environmental concern, have become an invisible yet intimate part of our daily lives.

These tiny fragments of plastic, each smaller than a sesame seed, are now being discovered everywhere from the deepest trenches of the ocean to the peaks of Mount Everest — and, alarmingly, inside the human body.

How Did We Get Here?

Microplastics are either intentionally manufactured to be tiny, like the exfoliating beads once used in face scrubs and cosmetics, or created when larger plastics — water bottles, straws, food wrappers, car tyres — break down over time. Every time plastic is exposed to sunlight, friction, or heat, it degrades into smaller particles, becoming nearly impossible to remove from the environment.

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And while they might be hard to see, they are certainly not hard to find. Scientists have uncovered microplastics in sea salt, fruits and vegetables, bottled water, honey, and even tea bags. More recently, they’ve been found in human blood, lungs, placentas, semen, breast milk, and bone marrow. Perhaps most unsettling, a 2024 study discovered microplastics in the ovarian follicular fluid of women undergoing fertility treatment — suggesting these particles may be interfering with our most intimate biology.

A Hidden Health Risk

The exact health effects of microplastics are still being uncovered, but the early signs are deeply concerning. Animal research links these particles to hormonal disruption, inflammation, reduced fertility, immune dysfunction, and even cancer. Studies suggest that microplastics may also contribute to cardiovascular issues and oxidative stress in humans. Their detection in vital human organs tells us one thing clearly: they’re not just passing through — they’re settling in.

And it doesn’t take much for them to enter our system. Every time we drink from a plastic bottle, eat food wrapped in plastic, or sip coffee from a disposable cup, we risk consuming microscopic plastic shards.

A single hot beverage in a plastic-lined cup can release trillions of plastic particles. Heating food in plastic containers — even those labeled “microwave safe” — accelerates the release of these particles. Even our kitchen tools, like spatulas and cutting boards, can shed plastic into the meals we prepare.

The Clothes on Our Backs

We’re also wearing the problem. Nearly 70% of all modern clothing is made from synthetic materials like polyester and nylon. These fabrics shed tiny plastic fibers — called microfibers — every time they’re washed. These fibers slip past washing machine filters and end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. From there, they make their way into the fish we eat, the salt we sprinkle, and the water we drink.

Even air samples from urban homes and workplaces reveal microplastic particles. We’re not just eating and drinking plastic — we’re breathing it, too.

Fighting Back Starts at Home

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of the problem. But we can take meaningful action, starting with the choices we make every day.

In the kitchen, swap out plastic storage containers for glass or stainless steel. Use wooden or silicone utensils and avoid plastic wrap by choosing beeswax wraps or unbleached paper alternatives. Choose a solid wood cutting board that isn’t glued together with synthetic adhesives. Avoid heating anything in plastic. When it comes to your wardrobe, opt for natural fibers like cotton, wool, or hemp, and wash synthetic clothing less often or in full loads to reduce shedding. Laundry filters or microfiber-catching wash bags can also help prevent pollution from your washing machine.

In cafés and restaurants, bring your own reusable cup and utensils. Say no to single-use plastic packaging whenever possible. Small steps may seem insignificant, but they add up — especially when millions of people take them together.

The Bigger Picture

Researchers are developing promising technologies to help trap and remove microplastics from water systems — from biofilms that catch particles to biodegradable sponges made of natural materials. But these innovations are still in early stages and won’t make a difference at scale without industry and policy support.

We also need stronger regulations to curb plastic production and promote truly sustainable alternatives — not just recycled plastics, but biodegradable or chemically recyclable materials. Businesses must be held accountable for the plastic footprints they leave behind, and governments must be bold in their commitments to reduce dependency on single-use plastics.

Because this isn’t just about the oceans anymore. It’s about us.

This Fight Is Personal

Microplastics have quietly slipped into our bloodstreams, our organs, our wombs. They’re not just polluting our environment — they’re reshaping our biology. And while we can’t avoid them entirely, we can take steps to reduce our exposure and demand systemic change.

We’ve spent decades drowning the world in plastic. Now it’s showing up in the most intimate corners of our lives. This is not someone else’s problem. It’s not a distant crisis. It’s here, it’s now, and it’s affecting every one of us who eats, drinks, breathes, or wears clothing.

This is not just an environmental issue. It’s a human one. It’s about the air we breathe, the food we eat, the bodies we live in. And we all have a role to play in fixing it. We have to say no to plastics where we can. We can make better choices at home and in the store. We must demand action from brands and policymakers. It’s time to rethink plastic. It’s time to reclaim our health.

Rituraj Phukan: Founder, Indigenous People’s Climate Justice Forum; Co-Founder, Smily Academy ;National Coordinator for Biodiversity, The Climate Reality Project India; Member, IUCN Wilderness Specialist Group; Commission Member – IUCN WCPA Climate Change, IUCN WCPA Connectivity Conservation, IUCN WCPA Indigenous People and Protected Areas Specialist Groups, IUCN WCPA South Asia Region and IUCN WCPA-SSC Invasive Alien Species Task Force; Member, International Antarctic Expedition 2013; Climate Force Arctic 2019 ; Ambassador, Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary. Rituraj Phukan is the Climate Editor, Mahabahu.

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