How Do Microplastics Affect Your Health? What Science Knows So Far

Name: How Do Microplastics Affect Your Health? What Science Knows So Far
Creator: Marcus Johnson, RN, BSN
Published: 2026-02-12T19:50:55.259Z

Emerging research on microplastic exposure, where they're found, and potential health implications.

MJRB

Written by Marcus Johnson, RN, BSN

RN, BSN, Health Writer

DJM

Reviewed by Dr. James Mitchell, MD, FACC

Board-Certified Cardiologist · Cleveland Clinic

Written Feb 12, 2026Reviewed Feb 12, 2026Fact-checked Feb 12, 20262 sources citedMedically Fact-Checked

What Should You Know About Microplastics and Health?

Microplastics — plastic particles smaller than 5mm — are now ubiquitous in the environment and human body. While the full health implications remain under investigation, a landmark 2024 NEJM study linking microplastics in arterial plaque to cardiovascular events has elevated scientific concern from theoretical to evidence-based.

Emerging EvidenceFirst human outcome data from NEJM 2024; mechanisms still under investigation. Most evidence from in vitro and animal studies.

The study by Marfella et al. published in the New England Journal of Medicine examined carotid artery plaque from 312 patients undergoing endarterectomy. Those with detectable polyethylene microplastics in their plaque had a 4.53-fold higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death over a median follow-up of 34 months compared to those without. This represents the first direct evidence linking microplastic tissue accumulation to adverse clinical outcomes in humans.

Humans are estimated to ingest approximately 50,000 microplastic particles per year and inhale a similar number. Major exposure sources include food packaging, bottled water (containing 10-100x more particles than tap), seafood, synthetic textiles, and airborne particles. Nanoplastics — particles smaller than 1 micrometer — can cross cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier, raising additional concerns about organ-level effects.

A 2024 NEJM study found 4.53-fold higher cardiovascular risk with microplastics in plaque

How Can You Reduce Your Microplastic Exposure?

Practical steps include using glass or stainless steel food/drink containers, avoiding microwaving food in plastic, filtering drinking water, choosing natural fiber clothing when possible, reducing single-use plastic, and improving indoor ventilation to reduce airborne particle exposure.

Switch from plastic food storage containers to glass or stainless steel, especially for hot foods — heating plastic dramatically increases microplastic release. A study found that microwaving plastic containers released up to 4 billion nanoplastic particles per square centimeter. Use loose-leaf tea instead of tea bags (many contain polypropylene). Choose fresh foods over those in plastic packaging when possible. For drinking water, invest in a reverse osmosis or quality activated carbon filter.

For airborne microplastics, regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter, good ventilation, and reducing synthetic textiles in the home can help. When washing synthetic clothing, use a microfiber-catching laundry bag or filter to prevent fibers from entering waterways. While complete elimination of microplastic exposure is impossible in the modern world, these practical measures can meaningfully reduce your daily intake.

Microwaving plastic releases up to 4 billion nanoplastic particles per square centimeter

Frequently Asked Questions

Are microplastics in drinking water harmful?

Microplastics are present in both tap and bottled water. Bottled water may contain 10-100 times more microplastic particles than tap water. The WHO states that current levels in drinking water do not appear to pose a health risk based on available evidence, but acknowledges significant data gaps. Using water filters (especially reverse osmosis or activated carbon) can reduce exposure.

How do microplastics get into the body?

The main routes are ingestion (food and water), inhalation (airborne particles from synthetic textiles, tire wear, and dust), and potentially dermal absorption. Heating food in plastic containers, using plastic cutting boards, and drinking from plastic bottles increase oral exposure. Indoor air often contains higher concentrations of airborne microplastics than outdoor air.

Can microplastics cause cancer?

There is currently no direct evidence that microplastics cause cancer in humans. However, some plastics contain or adsorb known carcinogens (BPA, phthalates, PFAS, heavy metals), and chronic inflammation from particle exposure is a known cancer risk factor. The IARC has not classified microplastics specifically. Long-term epidemiological studies are underway but results are years away.

Do water filters remove microplastics?

Reverse osmosis filters remove up to 99% of microplastics. Activated carbon filters remove a significant portion depending on pore size. Standard pitcher filters may remove some larger particles but are less effective for smaller microplastics and nanoplastics. Boiling water and then filtering through a coffee filter has been shown to remove some microplastics in preliminary research.

Sources

1.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events — Marfella R, Prattichizzo F, Sardu C et al. New England Journal of Medicine (2024) DOI
2.
Microplastics released from food containers during microwave heating — Hussain KA, Romanova S, Okur I et al. Environmental Science & Technology (2023) DOI

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