Microplastics Are Everywhere in Your Body. Should You Be Worried?

The discovery of microplastics in virtually every human tissue examined has prompted growing concern among researchers and the public alike. Studies published in 2024 and 2025 found microplastic particles in human hearts, lungs, livers, kidneys, placentas, breast milk, and most recently, brain tissue. The ubiquity of these particles raises urgent questions about their health effects.

The Scale of Contamination

The average American ingests an estimated 74,000 to 121,000 microplastic particles annually through food, water, and air, according to research published in Environmental Science & Technology. Bottled water is a particularly significant source, with studies finding an average of 325 particles per liter. Seafood, particularly shellfish, is another major dietary source, as marine organisms accumulate microplastics from their environment.

What the Research Shows

The health effects of microplastic exposure are an active area of research, and the full picture remains incomplete. However, several concerning associations have emerged. A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2024 found that patients with detectable microplastics in their carotid artery plaques had a 4.5 times higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death over a three-year follow-up period compared to patients without detectable microplastics.

In vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that microplastics can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruption of endocrine function. The particles can also act as vectors for other toxic compounds, including persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals, which adsorb to their surfaces.

Practical Reduction Strategies

While complete elimination of microplastic exposure is not currently feasible, several strategies can meaningfully reduce exposure. Switching from bottled water to filtered tap water is one of the most impactful changes, as tap water filtered through a high-quality carbon filter contains significantly fewer microplastics than bottled water. Reducing consumption of processed foods packaged in plastic, particularly those that are heated in their packaging, is another meaningful step. Using glass, stainless steel, or ceramic food storage containers rather than plastic reduces leaching from food contact materials.