Microplastics have infiltrated every corner of our planet, from the peaks of Mount Everest to the depths of the Mariana Trench, and shockingly, they have also been detected in human bodies—specifically in human blood. I recently sent a sample of my own blood to be tested for microplastics and wasn't surprised to discover that this ubiquitous pollution has made its way into my system.

Enter Clarify Clinics, a London-based startup that has developed a treatment aimed at cleansing blood of microplastics, infamous forever chemicals, and other toxins. Prices for these detoxifying treatments start at a staggering £9,750 (approximately $12,636). With around 10 to 15 patients stepping into their Harley Street clinic each week, there's evidently a growing concern over the potential health impacts of these tiny plastics.

During a two-hour session at Clarify, patients relax in plush armchairs while their blood is drawn and processed. The clinic hooks patients up to a machine that separates blood plasma from its cells, then filters this plasma to remove microplastics and other contaminants before mixing it back with the blood cells. Patients often pass the time taking calls, engaging in video chats, watching movies, or even dozing off.

CEO Yael Cohen tells me that people seek these treatments for various ailments, including chronic fatigue, brain fog, and the lingering effects of long Covid. The clinic even offers specialized treatments targeting those using weight-loss medications like Ozempic, couples trying to conceive, and individuals aiming to prevent dementia.

But here's the catch: while Clarify promises relief through detoxing blood from microplastics and toxins, the actual science linking microplastics to health issues remains inconclusive. A 2022 World Health Organization report stated that there is insufficient evidence to determine whether microplastics pose a significant risk to human health. Frederic Bénén, a researcher from the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, notes, "The dose makes the poison," highlighting the critical need for precise measurement of plastic exposure before establishing potential health risks.

Scientific research has struggled to connect the presence of microplastics in the human body to definitive health outcomes. A 2022 study indicated microplastics might harm human cells, but did not explore how this translates into real-world health impact. More recently, in 2024, a study found that individuals with microplastics in the fatty plaque in their carotid arteries had a higher risk of serious cardiovascular events. However, it did not establish a causal link, suggesting that other risk factors—like cardiovascular disease and smoking—could skew the results.

Given the pervasive presence of plastics in our environment, measuring microplastics accurately is a major challenge. Contaminants can easily infiltrate blood samples, including plastic fibers from clothing and packaging. To ensure their tests are as uncontaminated as possible, researchers like Bénén rigorously use plastic-free equipment and wear cotton clothing during sample analysis.

Despite the uncertain scientific backing, many patients at Clarify report feeling revitalized after treatment, citing improvements in energy levels and sleep quality. Cohen herself has tracked her sleep patterns and claims her scores significantly improved following her treatment.

Interestingly, most of Clarify's clients are drawn through word of mouth, as they share their blood microplastic results on social media, treating the procedure as a badge of honor in the wellness community. This follows a long trend of lavish, experimental medical treatments marketed toward affluent individuals concerned about their health; treatments like stem cell injections in the Bahamas reach into the tens of thousands of dollars, with little evidence to confirm effectiveness.

In rare instances, blood cleansing may be necessary for individuals exposed to high levels of pollutants. For instance, after toxic firefighting foams contaminated drinking water in Jersey, bloodletting was recommended to help residents eliminate the PFAS chemicals linked to severe health problems. However, for the average person, we still lack a clear understanding of the health implications of microplastics in the blood.

My own test revealed approximately 190 microplastic particles per milliliter of blood—considered low, but still alarming when you think about it. In a communication with Cohen, she remarked on the surprisingly high exposure: "Glad you were pleasantly surprised, but that’s still around a million particles in your circulatory system!" With insufficient data about the health ramifications of microplastics, questions linger: should we continue to embrace the cleansing treatments offered by startups like Clarify, or is this a luxury that many of us can’t afford to ignore?