Science Weekly Is your body really full of microplastics?
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Jan 20, 2026 
Damian Carrington, the Environment editor at The Guardian and a seasoned investigative reporter, joins to discuss the controversial topic of microplastics in human bodies. He reveals how recent studies have raised alarm but also skepticism among scientists regarding contamination issues. Damian explains the analytical mistakes that can lead to false positives and the lack of solid evidence linking microplastics to health problems. He highlights the need for standardized research protocols and offers practical tips for individuals to minimize exposure.
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Detection Claims Outpaced Health Evidence
- Reports claimed microplastics in many human tissues, from blood to breast milk and even the brain.
- Evidence of harm in humans is currently absent despite concerning animal and in vitro studies.
Scientists Raised Concerns Privately Then Publicly
- Damian began receiving emails last year from scientists doubting high-profile papers and their methods.
- Groups of researchers then wrote polite formal letters to journals raising these concerns publicly.
Analytical Challenges Fuel Uncertainty
- Analysing micro- and nanoplastics is extremely challenging because samples are tiny and protocols are not yet standardised.
- That methodological novelty increased risk of analytical errors and inconsistent results across studies.