Microplastics — tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size — are now being detected not just in our blood, organs, and lungs, but even inside our bones. As scientists uncover their widespread presence in the human body, concerns are growing over the potential health effects of long-term microplastic exposure.

One of the most intriguing pieces of this scientific puzzle lies in an unassuming field in Hertfordshire, UK. This site, home to the world’s longest-running agricultural experiment since 1843, contains meticulously preserved samples of wheat, soil, and straw that now form a unique archive at Rothamsted Research. Over the past 182 years, this archive has unintentionally documented the invisible infiltration of pollutants, including microplastics, into our ecosystem.

As research intensifies, scientists are trying to determine the biological consequences of microplastics — such as inflammation, endocrine disruption, and possible links to cancer and fertility issues. While the full health impact is still being studied, the discovery of plastics embedded deep in human tissues signals an urgent need to understand and address the long-term risks.