Science Fictions Paid-only episode 26: Microplastics redux
Jan 20, 2026
The hosts dive into microplastics, revisiting sensational claims about their presence in human tissues. They dissect alarming reports linking microplastics to health risks, including DNA damage and reproductive issues. With a mix of skepticism and scientific inquiry, they highlight flaws in previous studies. The discussion also touches on the mechanics of how microplastics might cause harm, contrasting mechanical blockage with chemical toxicity. Finally, they celebrate their earlier cautious stance on declining sperm counts, backed by new research.
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Media Hype Outpaced Evidence
- Media coverage amplified alarming microplastic claims beyond the evidence.
- Tom Chivers and Stuart Ritchie argue much reporting was breathless and overstated risks.
Widespread Detection Claims Are Variable
- Researchers reported microplastics across many human tissues, but detection claims varied in quality.
- Stuart and Tom note frequent headlines claiming presence in blood, placenta, liver, and other sites.
Personal Memory Of Microbead Shampoos
- Tom recalls microbeads in old shower gels as a concrete example of microplastics in consumer products.
- He remembers the textured shampoos and Stuart notes those beads are largely phased out now.