I have been seeing more articles and stories in the media about microplastics and the risks that we have to our health and our environment from these particles. I must admit that I didn’t know anything about microplastics, so I did some research to learn more about them.

A PubMed search of the medical literature for the topic Microplastics yielded 16,387 results. Prior to 2012 there were only 26 articles in the literature. Since 2022 there have been more than 3,000 articles in the literature per year. In the first month of 2025 there have already been 656 articles published.

What are microplastics?

Primary microplastics are tiny plastic particles intentionally manufactured to be small in size, typically less than 5 millimeters (1 micrometer-5mm). Microbeads are used in cosmetics like facial scrubs and toothpaste, and pre-production plastic pellets (also known as nurdles) utilized in manufacturing. They are also present in fibers from synthetic textiles such as polyester and nylon released during washing. Primary microplastics are introduced directly into the environment, contributing to pollution. Their small size allows them to bypass filtration systems, ultimately ending up in waterways and posing significant challenges for marine life and other ecosystems.

Secondary microplastics are minute plastic fragments that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as bottles, bags, or fishing nets, due to environmental factors like sunlight, wave action, and other degradation processes.

Oceans and waterways are the largest reservoirs of microplastics due to the large amounts of plastic waste dumped there. As plastics break down over time, these particles can be ingested by marine life and eventually make their way up the food chain to humans.¹

Numerous studies have shown that microplastics are common in our food supply. They have been detected in seafood, salt, honey, and even water.² Shellfish and fish tend to have higher concentrations because of their filter-feeding habits and proximity to polluted waters. Researchers found that a single meal of mussels could contain up to 90 microplastic particles.³ These particles are also found in bottled water, tap water, and even the air that we breathe.

How do microplastics affect humans?

Microplastics are a form of pollution that can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Like any environmental toxin, the risk is proportional to the exposure frequency, duration, plastic size, and method of intake. Microplastics of varying colors and sizes, ranging from ≥800 nm to 5 mm, have been detected in numerous human samples, including the lungs, breast milk, liver, spleen, placenta, blood, sputum, colon, and saliva. Just this week a study was released that these microplastics also accumulate in the brain.⁴

The health risks in humans are caused by the physical presence of the particles in our body and the toxic chemicals that they carry. Early studies have linked microplastic exposure to increased inflammation and metabolic disturbances, such as insulin resistance and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Respiratory and gastrointestinal disturbances, immunosuppression, and endocrine changes have also been described. 

What should we be doing about microplastics?

Since microplastics are ubiquitous, it is not practical to eliminate your exposure. Here are some strategies to reduce your intake and limit health risks.

1. Reduce your use of plastics
   Use reusable containers made from glass or stainless steel for your storage containers. Avoid single use plastic water bottles and plastic grocery bags.
2. Get rid of your plastic cutting boards and black plastic kitchen tools.
3. Filter drinking water
   Filtering tap water can reduce microplastic content.⁵ Studies show that bottled water can contain twice as many microplastics than tap water.⁶
4. Review your personal care products
   Read the product labels and avoid products with microbeads. These are products that contain the following ingredients: Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polymethyl methacrylate (PNMS), Nylon (PA), Polyester, and some forms of Silicones. Choose natural or biodegradable products. Beat the Microbead is a free app that can help you check the contents of products for microbeads.
5. Limit your seafood consumption
   Mussels, oysters, scallops, and sardines have been found to have the highest levels of microplastics.
6. Ventilate your home
   Microplastics are also inhaled, so regularly ventilating your home and using HEPA filters in vacuums and air purifiers can minimize indoor airborne microplastics.

Consider implementing a few of these simple ideas to reduce your health risk from microplastics.

References

1. Cole, M., et al. (2013). Microplastic ingestion by zooplankton. Environmental Science & Technology, 47(12), 6646-6655.
2. Liebezeit, G., & Liebezeit, E. (2013). Non-pollen particulates in honey and sugar. Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A, 30(12), 2136-2140.
3. Van Cauwenberghe, L., & Janssen, C. R. (2014). Microplastics in bivalves cultured for human consumption. Environmental Pollution, 193, 65-70.
4. Nihart, AJ, et al. (2025). Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains. naturemedicine: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03453-1.
5. Kosuth, M., et al. (2018). Anthropogenic contamination of tap water, beer, and sea salt. PLOS ONE, 13(4), e0194970.
6. Schymanski, D., et al. (2018). Analysis of microplastics in water by micro-Raman spectroscopy: Release of plastic particles from different packaging. Water Research, 129, 154-162.

Ralph Broadwater, M.D., CFP®

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