Belgian startup Planet B reports microplastics in 96% of blood samples

A study commissioned by the Belgian startup Planet B tested blood from 119 participants in Antwerp, Leuven and Ghent. The analysis found microplastic particles in 114 samples, averaging about 90 particles per milliliter of blood, with some samples containing up to 64 particles. The majority of particles were smaller than 10 µm, sizes capable of crossing body barriers and accumulating in organs. Planet B co‑founder Tibbe Verschaffel warned that such contamination may be linked to cardiovascular disease, dementia, cancer and infertility, and likened the situation to the past underestimation of asbestos.

Based on the findings, Planet B launched a summer‑long awareness campaign titled “Life in Plastics,” touring the country to inform consumers about the health risks of microplastics and to push for the removal of harmful substances such as PFAS and hormone disruptors from everyday products.

The study is presented as the first large‑scale blood analysis of microplastics in Belgium and, according to the startup, will be extended to a broader European context.