Microplastic blood testing kits enter consumer market

New at-home blood testing kits for microplastics are entering the market as concerns grow regarding the health impacts of plastic particles. Bryan Johnson’s company, Blueprint, recently launched a kit in the United States priced at US$135, claiming to be the first of its kind. Similar testing services are also available in Australia, with costs reaching up to $750.

Research has increasingly linked micro- and nano-plastics to various health issues. Studies have indicated higher levels of these particles in individuals who have suffered heart attacks and those with lung cancer. Other research suggests potential links to reproductive, digestive, and respiratory problems. The rise in consumer testing reflects a growing desire to measure and mitigate personal exposure to environmental plastic waste.