Plastic has spread into every facet of our existence. Plastic has been detected at the deepest point of the ocean, the Mariana Trench. It is also present at the highest peak on land, Mount Everest. Microplastics are found in Antarctic snow, clouds, turtles, whales, tap water, beer, and even in human blood. In 2022, the WHO published a report detailing the wide expanse of plastic in our daily lives, even in the air we breathe. However, their research remains inconclusive on the health risks to humans associated with microplastics.
Researchers had a lack of substantial evidence to say for certain whether microplastics pose a threat to humans. But in 2024, a study found that those with microplastics in the fatty plaque within the arteries were at a greater risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, the study was only observational and no causal links between microplastics and health were made. This means researchers could not determine whether the presence of microplastics caused an elevated risk of mortality in certain patients.
Microplastic new health concerns have raised alarm globally, prompting some to look for alternative healthcare options. A London-based clinic, Clarify Clinics, has launched a premium service that claims to cleanse patients’ blood of microplastics. This blood-filtering procedure called Clari also purports removing forever chemicals, and other toxins. This procedure, otherwise known as apheresis, is generally used for therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE).
The Procedure and Patient Experience
Receiving the procedure will cost you about $12,000 per session. During the Clari procedure, blood is drawn and plasma is separated using an apheresis machine. The plasma then passes through a filter designed to trap microplastics and other contaminants such as PFAS chemicals and inflammatory proteins. After filtration, the plasma is recombined with the blood cells and returned to the patient. The entire process takes up to two hours and processes 50 to 80 percent of the plasma volume.
Patients reportedly find the treatment comfortable, with some even falling asleep during the session. The clinic’s client base are usually those who are currently suffering from chronic fatigue, brain fog, long COVID, lupus, and those seeking to improve sleep or cognitive function. CEO Yael Cohen notes that many clients report increased energy and better sleep after treatment, however, these reported benefits have not been scientifically validated.
The Science Behind Microplastics in the Human Body
While microplastics are widespread, their exact health impact remains uncertain. Studies show microplastics can cause cellular damage, such as oxidative stress and inflammation. Microplastics may impair red blood cell function by destabilizing their membranes, potentially affecting oxygen transport. There is also evidence of DNA damage in white blood cells exposed to microplastics. However, since research remains inconclusive, The World Health Organization has stated that there is insufficient evidence to determine the full health risks posed by microplastics.
Challenges in Measuring and Addressing Microplastics
Detecting microplastics in the blood is complicated by the risk of contamination from external plastic sources during sampling and analysis. Plastic fibers from clothing and plastic packaging for medical equipment can easily contaminate blood samples during collection. Such contamination can interfere with the analysis and result in an inaccurate picture of microplastics in the sample. To avoid this, researchers take extensive precautions, such as using plastic-free equipment and filtered air environments.
Given the widespread proliferation of microplastics, reducing exposure is difficult. This has led some to seek medical alternatives like the Clari procedure, which claims to physically remove microplastics from the bloodstream. While therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), a related medical procedure, is established as safe and effective for certain autoimmune and neurological disorders, its effectiveness specifically for microplastic removal has not been scientifically verified.
Market and Cultural Context
The clinic’s clientele is composed largely of health-conscious and longevity-focused individuals who are willing to pay a substantial premium for cutting-edge treatments. Bryan Johnson, a well-known longevity influencer whose touted public experiments with total plasma exchange. This is a process that removes plasma from the blood and supplementing it with proteins and antibodies. Johnson’s influence and advocacy has encouraged others to explore similar therapies, often under the banner of “biohacking” and anti-aging science.
Patients who visit the clinic frequently share their microplastic blood test results on social media, using these posts to document their health journey. Yael Cohen, CEO of Clarify Clinic, noted the growing buzz around the procedure, “People are posting it, they’re talking about it.” For many, undergoing such treatments and sharing the results has become a badge of honor.
Conclusion
Microplastics are an invisible but widespread contaminant present in the highest mountains, deepest oceans and the human body. New emerging research suggests potential harm of microplastics at the cellular level. As scientific understanding of microplastics continues to evolve, new treatments are emerging to address potential health risks.
The Clari procedure represents one such approach, though it comes with a substantial price tag. However, there remains significant uncertainty regarding its actual effectiveness in removing microplastics from the body. However most people aren’t particularly clued up as to what their blood microplastic level is, or whether it is a cause for concern.
Read More: 6 Steps You Can Take to Minimize Microplastics in Your Body
