What is Body Burden?

Body Burden is an independent educational tool that estimates how many microplastic particles a person consumes and inhales each week, based on their lifestyle habits. Every figure in the calculator is derived from peer-reviewed research published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Why we built it

Microplastics are now found in human blood, lungs, liver, kidney, and testicular tissue — and most recently, in arterial plaques associated with cardiovascular events. The research is not alarmist speculation. It is accumulating rapidly in some of the most rigorous journals in environmental science.

Yet the tools available to the public for understanding their own exposure are poor. Existing calculators either fail to show actual particle counts, lack citations, or are so poorly designed that no one uses them. Body Burden exists to close that gap.

What "body burden" means

The term body burden is scientific terminology used by toxicologists and the CDC to describe the total accumulation of environmental contaminants in the human body. It reflects not just daily exposure, but what persists and accumulates in tissues over time. We chose this name because it is precise, not because it is alarming.

Our principles

• Scientific accuracy: Every estimate traces back to a published study. Confidence levels are disclosed.
• Honest uncertainty: We acknowledge the ±30% margin of error and the limitations of current research.
• No alarmism: The numbers speak for themselves. Our job is to present them clearly, not to frighten.
• No login required: Results are calculated in your browser. We do not collect your answers.
• Educational purpose only: This tool is not a medical diagnostic and should not be treated as one.

Future plans

The microplastics calculator is the first tool under the Body Burden umbrella. Future calculators will cover heavy metals exposure, PFAS ("forever chemicals"), and pesticide intake — building toward an overall toxic load estimate grounded in the same peer-reviewed methodology.