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Should I worry about microplastics?

Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken discuss the evidence on the potential harm posed by microplastics. Should we worry or is it media hype? And if we should, what can we do about it?

Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore every aspect of our health and wellbeing.

In this episode, they delve into the issue of microplastics - minute fragments of plastic material that have been found in every environment on the planet, as well as in our brains and bodies. How did they get there, are they doing us harm and, if they are, what can we do about it? They speak to Environmental Toxicologist Dr Stephanie Wright from Imperial College, London about the evidence behind the dramatic headlines and why trying to measure the impact of microplastic on health is a challenge.

If you want to get in touch, you can email us at [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08000 665 123.

Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken
Guest: Dr Stephanie Wright
Producer: Jo Rowntree
Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
Editor: Kirsten Lass
Assistant Producers: Maia Miller-Lewis and Mary Holditch
Tech Lead: Reuben Huxtable
Social Media: Leon Gower
Digital Lead: Richard Berry
Composer: Phoebe McFarlane
Sound Design: Melvin Rickarby

At the BBC:
Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith
Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

28 minutes

On radio

Tue 20 May 2025 16:30
BBC Radio 4

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Broadcast

  • Tue 20 May 2025 16:30
    BBC Radio 4

Podcast

  • What's Up Docs?

    Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken are on a mission to help us take better care of ourselves.