ENTERING THE BODY

As well as being widespread in nature, plastics can accumulate inside the human body

COSMETIC MATERIALS

Plastics added to cosmetics can be absorbed into the skin.

AIRBORNE PARTICLES

People breathe in around 7,000 particles every day from objects such as clothes and toys.

UNNATURAL BLOOD

A 2021 study revealed that 17 out of 22 people had microplastics in their blood.

ACCUMULATION

When microplastics are ingested, they can accumulate in organs such as the liver and kidneys.

PROTECTED ORGANS

The brain is protected by a membrane, so scientists are unsure whether nanoplastics – smaller than microplastics – are capable of entering this organ.

EATING PLASTIC

As microplastics enter our foods, some people ingest five grams a week – the equivalent weight of one credit card.

UNBORN EXPOSURE

Microplastics have been detected in the placenta in some cases. They can come into contact with babies through the mother’s bloodstream.