For context, here is a smattering of headlines that emerged recently, regarding microplastics and human health:

The Guardian: Microplastics found deep in lungs of living people for first time

The Guardian: Microplastics found in human blood for first time

Civil Eats: There is an Alarming Amount of Microplastics in Farm Soil—and Our Food Supply

Don’t panic

While it’s important to be aware of the latest research when it comes to microplastics, we mustn’t panic. All of these articles are quick to point out that yes, microplastics are here but no we don’t actually know the full scale of impact…yet!

From Civil Eats: “The full impact of microplastics contamination in agricultural soils, particularly as concentrations increase with time, is unknown.”

From The Guardian, re: lungs: “The impact on health is as yet unknown.”

A rationale for research

Because we don’t yet understand the full size and scope of the problem microplastics may present to human health (and the health of our planet) we must continue studying them. In doing so, we have the potential to get ahead of any possible negative outcomes.