We’ve all heard people, podcasts, and news articles talking about the health risks of microplastics—but how dangerous are they, really? From your drinking water to the air you breathe, these tiny particles are everywhere. And they might be doing more harm than you think…
Microplastics have been found in human blood, lungs, and even placentas—and they’re not leaving anytime soon! Let’s break down what these tiny particles are actually doing inside your body and how you can protect yourself starting today!
What Are Microplastics and Where Do They Come From?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters long. They come from sources like bottled water, synthetic clothing fibers, food packaging, and even the air. These particles are everywhere—in oceans, food, soil, and even inside the human body.
While they may seem too small to cause harm, plastic-related health effects are becoming more evident as new research emerges.
Yes, we are aware that science says “everything is going to kill us”. And while I am not perfect when it comes to avoiding things that aren’t healthy (“Hello, Diet Coke!“), the research for this article scared the crap out of me (TBF). There are some things that are majorly dangerous but somewhat easily avoidable. Plastics and microplastics are in that category, in my opinion.
You might assume plastics stay outside the body, but that’s no longer the case. As I mentioned earlier, scientists have found microplastics in bloodstreams, lung tissue, and even human placentas. The real question is: what are they doing once they’re inside us?
A Real-Life Scenario: Microplastics in Daily Life
Here’s a real-life example of the harm microplastics can cause…
Sarah, a 34-year-old graphic designer, thought she lived a healthy lifestyle. She drank bottled water, meal-prepped with plastic containers, and enjoyed seafood twice a week.
After months of fatigue, skin breakouts, and digestive issues, her doctor ordered bloodwork and found high levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA and phthalates—chemicals linked to microplastics.
Concerned, Sarah switched to stainless steel water bottles and started using glass containers. Her symptoms didn’t vanish overnight, but her energy and skin improved within weeks.
Sadly, Sarah’s case isn’t unique. Many people unknowingly expose themselves to microplastics every day. And these are the risks…
Health Risks of Microplastics: The Emerging Evidence
An episode of The Huberman Lab Podcast was sent to me by the co-founder of this site as inspiration for this article. In it, Dr. Andrew Huberman breaks down the safety risks of microplastics and how everyday habits may increase our exposure. Watch the full episode here.
Dr. Huberman talks about how simple, everyday habits—like microwaving food in plastic containers or drinking bottled water left in a hot car—can lead to microplastic consumption and these potential long-term health effects.
These are a few ways microplastics can affect your body systems…
Hormone Disruption (Endocrine Impact)
One of the most concerning plastic-related health effects is hormone disruption. Microplastics often carry chemicals like BPA, BPS, and phthalates, which mimic or interfere with hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
Possible Hormone Issues Due to Microplastics
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Are you skipping periods, having late ones, or noticing changes in flow? Microplastics may interfere with hormone regulation, which can throw off your menstrual rhythm. - Reduced Sperm Count
Have you or your partner been struggling with low sperm motility or count? Studies suggest microplastics may disrupt endocrine function and reproductive health in men. - Infertility Issues
Are you trying to conceive but not seeing results, even after months of trying? Long-term microplastic exposure is being investigated as a potential factor in unexplained infertility. - Mood Swings or Anxiety
Are you feeling more emotionally up and down than usual—or dealing with anxiety without a clear cause? Microplastics may disrupt hormone balance, which can influence mood and mental well-being.
Unfortunately, the chemicals in microplastics bind to hormone receptors, altering natural functions and potentially contributing to diseases over time. For me, this is a frightening realization. I have had high cortisol and prolactin show up in my bloodwork for YEARS without a cause.
As a result, my doctor has sent me for kidney tests and MRIs and everything is coming back normal. I can’t help but wonder if microplastics could be causing some of my symptoms and hormone imbalances.
Hormones drive what’s happening in our body but they’re not the only health system that’s impacted by microplastics…
Health Risks of Microplastics: Inflammation and Immune System Stress
When microplastics enter the body, they trigger inflammation. The immune system sees them as foreign invaders and activates its defense system. Chronic exposure can lead to persistent inflammation, which is a known factor in many diseases like IBS, arthritis, and autoimmune conditions.
Studies have also linked gut microbiome changes to microplastic exposure, leading to digestive problems and nutrient absorption issues.
Increased Risk of Long-Term Diseases
While the full extent of the risks of microplastics is still being studied, early research points to links between microplastic exposure and:
- Cancer risks, especially in the gastrointestinal tract
- Neurological issues, such as memory problems and cognitive decline
- Cardiovascular events, due to plastic particles found in arterial plaques
Research published in The New England Journal of Medicine even found microplastics in atheromas, suggesting a possible link to heart attacks and strokes.
But how do these pesky tiny particles enter our body? And what should we watch out for when selecting products from the store?
How Microplastics Enter Your Body
You may have heard about how microplastics can get into our system (the ol’ plastic water bottle in your car in summer—don’t drink out of it!). But everyday items that seem harmless—like tap water, packaged snacks, or even salt—could also be contributing to your exposure.
Knowing where these particles show up is an important step in understanding microplastic exposure risks and how to limit them in your daily life.
Here are some common food and beverage sources where microplastics might be hiding:
| Food or Drink | How Microplastics Get In |
|---|---|
| Bottled Water | Often contains more microplastics than tap water, mostly from plastic packaging and caps. |
| Tap Water | Can contain microplastics from aging pipes or contaminated sources. |
| Seafood (shellfish, small fish) | These animals filter water and accumulate microplastics in their tissues. |
| Table Salt | Sea salt and some rock salts have shown traces of microplastics from ocean contamination. |
| Beer and Honey | Detected microplastics often come from tap water or airborne contamination. |
| Plastic-Packaged Foods | Fatty or acidic foods may absorb plasticizers and microplastics during storage. |
| Tea Bags (“silken” or nylon types) | Some contain PET or nylon, which can release microplastics when steeped in hot water. |
| Pre-packaged or Processed Foods | Manufacturing and plastic-heavy packaging may contribute to contamination. |
It’s easy to focus on what we eat or use on our skin—but microplastics don’t just enter through food and products. The air around us plays a role too. Let’s take a closer look at how airborne microplastics might be affecting your health…
What Airborne Microplastics Mean for Your Home
When we think about microplastics, we often picture ocean pollution or plastic packaging—but the air around us is also a major source of exposure. Indoors and out, microplastic particles float through the air, settle into dust, and even make their way into our lungs. Understanding where they come from is a key step in addressing the potential dangers of microplastics in our daily lives.
Everyday Sources of Airborne Microplastics
- Synthetic Fabrics
Unfortunately, Clothing made from polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex releases microfibers into the air, especially during wear, drying, or abrasion (like when sitting on furniture). - Indoor Dust
A mix of shed microplastics from furniture, carpets, electronics, toys, and cleaning products. It can be inhaled or ingested—especially by children. - Dryers and Laundry Areas
Tumble drying synthetic fabrics can send fibers into the air and through dryer vents, spreading microplastics inside and outside your home. - Plastic Furniture and Home Goods
Items like vinyl flooring, plastic blinds, foam cushions, and plastic décor slowly degrade and release particles over time. - Paints and Coatings
Indoor and outdoor paints (especially glossy or waterproof types) can shed acrylate particles into the air as they age and peel. - Personal Care Sprays and Aerosols
Hairsprays, deodorants, and air fresheners may contain liquid plastics or polymers that settle into the air as fine particles. - Open Windows in Urban Areas
Outdoor microplastics from car tires, construction materials, and synthetic textiles can drift inside, especially in cities or near busy roads.
So, airborne microplastics are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to the health risks of microplastics. But another major source? The personal care products we use every day…
Personal Care Products That May Contain Microplastics
You might be surprised to learn that many everyday personal care products are quietly hiding microplastics—often in the form of tiny beads or powders known as microbeads. These ingredients are added to improve texture, boost performance, or provide exfoliating effects, but they come with a hidden environmental cost. Below is a breakdown of common products that may contain microbeads, along with the names they often hide behind on ingredient labels.
Personal Care Products That Contain Microplastics
And speaking of personal care products, many people don’t realize that items like lotions, serums, and cleansers can also be sources of microplastic exposure—especially those containing microbeads or packaged in certain plastics.
Want to spread the word? Save and share this infographic by Personal Safety School!
A Word About Skincare Ingredients…
I am obsessed with skincare. Obviously, now that I’m in my 40s, I want my skin to look its best without any procedures.
So I spend a lot of money on my staples (like Tatcha Water Cream, LOVE). And Korean skincare has been quite popular as of late, due to its natural ingredients and of course, the “glass skin” trend on socials.
If you’re wondering what’s actually in your skincare—and whether some of those trendy ingredients could be doing more harm than good—don’t miss our deep dive: Are Korean Skincare Ingredients Safe?. This intensive piece breaks down common additives, potential concerns, and how to choose products that support your health, not work against it.
So, now that you know where microplastics come from, let’s talk about how you can reduce your exposure in everyday life…
How to Reduce Your Exposure to Microplastics
Of course, you can’t eliminate microplastics entirely, but you can take steps to reduce daily exposure and protect your health.
I know you’re probably reading this article and thinking: “Where the hell do I start? Everything has microplastics!”. But the key with any lifestyle changes you want to make is starting small. A simple swap can make a huge difference…
Here are some tips to avoid the health risks of microplastics
Choose Safer Packaging
Use glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free containers. Avoid reheating food in plastic, as heat increases chemical leaching.
Filtering Your Water
Invest in a high-quality water filter that removes microplastics and chemical contaminants.
Wear Natural Fibers
Opt for cotton, linen, or wool over synthetic clothing. In fact, washing synthetic clothes less frequently can also reduce airborne plastics.
Limit Processed and Packaged Foods
Fresh food has fewer contact points with plastic. Cooking at home can cut down on exposure from packaging.
Avoid Single-Use Plastics
Say no to plastic straws, utensils, and bags. Every little choice adds up.
Taking steps to limit your exposure to microplastics—like choosing safer packaging, filtering your water, and avoiding products with synthetic additives—can make a meaningful difference.
Speaking of every day items possibly being toxic, maybe you remember the tampon controversy of 2024? The media storm was due to a study that surfaced about tampons containing arsenic and other toxins—raising even more questions about what we put in and on our bodies.
You can learn more in Tampons Exposed: The Truth Behind The Arsenic Study. However, complete avoidance of every day products like tampons isn’t always realistic, so it’s just as important to support your body’s ability to handle what does get in.
That’s where your natural detox systems come into play…
Avoiding The Health Risks of Microplastics: Supporting Your Body’s Detox Systems
While it’s nearly impossible to avoid microplastics entirely, you can help your body manage exposure by supporting its natural detox pathways.
Keeping your liver, kidneys, gut, and lymphatic system functioning well gives your body a better chance at processing and eliminating harmful substances—including microplastics.
Your body naturally filters out toxins, but certain habits support detoxification:
- Stay hydrated to help flush toxins.
- Eat fiber-rich foods to support gut health and elimination.
- Include antioxidant-rich foods like berries, greens, and nuts.
- Sweat it out with exercise or sauna sessions, which can help eliminate certain chemicals.
Being mindful of these small daily habits can go a long way in lowering your exposure to microplastics. But food safety goes beyond just plastic—contamination and recalls are real concerns too!
If you want to stay informed about what’s safe to eat, check out our article “Understanding Food Recalls: What You Need to Know“.
This article covers how recalls happen, what to watch for, and how to protect your household.
Small Particles, Big Problems: The Health Risks of Microplastics
The health concerns of microplastics are still being studied, but early research points to real concerns, especially around hormone health, inflammation, and disease risks. While we can’t avoid all plastics, small changes in our habits can significantly lower exposure and protect long-term health.
Being informed about the products you’re purchasing is the first step!
As science continues to explore microplastics and human biology, we can take action now to reduce the risks and live cleaner, healthier lives. And knowing which products to avoid is the best way you can protect yourself–and your loved ones!
After writing this piece, I want to make some changes. I am going to try to slowly eliminate the main sources of microplastics in my everyday life by improving our home’s air quality, getting rid of my plastic Tupperware, and being more selective about the beauty products I use.
What changes will you be making? (If any). Feel free to drop any tips or ideas you have in the comments below!
Be aware, and stay safe!
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