Microplastics in Us: A Hidden Crisis

Authored by: Kush Nagrani

Art by: Claire Ma

In 2022, researchers made a monumental discovery. For the first time, microplastics were found in the lung tissue of humans. Researchers had previously found the minute plastic particles in fish, drinking water, and the very table salt we eat. Their discovery in the body, however, confirmed a growing fear—microplastics are entering our lives in ways we can no longer ignore [1] . With increasing evidence connecting microplastic exposure to detrimental health effects, researchers are racing to learn the full magnitude of the problem.

Microplastics, which are plastic particles less than five millimeters in size, originate in industrial processes, consumer products, and the breakdown of larger plastic debris [1]. These plastics are widely used because they are inexpensive, durable, and versatile, making them essential in everything from packaging to personal care products. The particles have been detected in bottled water, tap water, processed food, and seafood, so it is almost impossible to avoid exposure. A single litre of bottled water, for example, can contain thousands of microplastic particles, which the body can easily absorb [2]. Alarmingly, new research has also detected microplastics in the placenta of humans, which has a concerning impact on the unborn child [3].

The risks to health posed by exposure to microplastic are increasing. Studies show that the ingestion of particles can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to cellular damage [4] . The resulting inflammation is linked with long-term diseases such as cardiovascular neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, certain microplastics contain toxic additives such as phthalates and bisphenols, compounds known to interfere with hormone activity. These endocrine disruptors have been implicated in reproductive diseases, metabolic diseases, and developmental diseases in children [1]. Microplastics can also act as vectors for toxic heavy metals such as lead and mercury, which can be absorbed by the body and accumulate in the body's organs over time [2].

The primary concern is the inability of microplastics to degrade easily. Instead, microplastics remain in the body tissue, raising concerns about the long-term dangers of exposure. Laboratory animal tests with long-term microplastic intake have shown disruptions in metabolism and shifts in gut microbiota, which can have far-reaching implications for the well-being of humans [5]. While the exact impact on humans is still being studied, the information at hand strongly suggests that microplastics are not merely passing through our bodies—they are actively interacting with biological systems in ways that demand our urgent attention.

Despite growing awareness of microplastics, regulatory efforts remain patchy. The European Union has put restrictions on the use of microplastic in cosmetics and in certain industrial applications, while the United States has eliminated microbeads in personal care products. These efforts only scratch the surface of the problem, however, as they do nothing to regulate microplastic contamination in food, water, and air. Scientists are developing technologies for filtering microplastics out of drinking water, but such technologies remain in the infancy stage and are yet to be used at scale [6].

While big-picture changes are needed, individuals can take steps to minimize their personal exposure. Choosing glass or stainless-steel containers over plastic, reducing consumption of highly processed foods, and investing in high-end water purification systems can minimize microplastic intake. Furthermore, pushing for policies to reduce plastic use and expand recycling facilities can be part of the long-term solution.

The finding of microplastics in the tissues of humans is a stark reflection of the reality that plastic pollution is no longer merely an ecological problem—it is a pressing human-health issue. While scientists continue to try to quantify the full magnitude of the risks, the evidence at hand leaves no doubt about one thing: it is no longer an option to ignore microplastics. The decisions made today will determine the magnitude of the future impact of microplastics. It is up to policymakers, scientists, and the general public to act in meaningful ways before the damage becomes irreversible. As research and regulation catch up, everyday choices—like what we eat, drink, and buy—can help reduce exposure and push change forward. The future of our health is in all of our hands—starting with yours.

References:

1. Mir, M. A., Khan, M. A. A., Banik, B. K., Hasnain, S. M., Alzayer, L., Andrews, K., & Abba, S. I. (2025). Microplastics in food products: Prevalence, artificial intelligence-based detection, and potential health impacts on humans. Emerging Contaminants, 11, 100477. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emcon.2025.100477

2. Prajapati, A., Sharma, T., & Verma, R. (2025). Bioaccumulation of microplastics in seafood and bottled water: Implications for human health and carcinogenic potential. Environmental Pollution, 312, 120005. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479725002257

3. Ragusa, A., Svelato, A., Santacroce, C., Catalano, P., Notarstefano, V., Carnevali, O., Papa, F., Rongioletti, M. C. A., Baiocco, F., Draghi, S., D’Amore, E., Rinaldo, D., Matta, M., & Giorgini, E. (2021). Plasticenta: First evidence of microplastics in human placenta. Environment International, 146, 106274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.106274

4. Prata, J. C., da Costa, J. P., Lopes, I., Duarte, A. C., & Rocha-Santos, T. (2020). Environmental exposure to microplastics: An overview on possible human health effects. Science of the Total Environment, 702, 134455. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134455

5. Deng, Y., Chen, H., Huang, Y., Zhang, Y., Ren, H., Fang, M., Wang, Q., Chen, W., Hale, R. C., Galloway, T. S., & Chen, D. (2022). Long-term exposure to environmentally relevant doses of large polystyrene microplastics disturbs lipid homeostasis via bowel function interference. Environmental Science & Technology, 56(22), 15805–15817. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.1c07933

6. Bodzek, M., & Pohl, A. (2022). Removal of microplastics in unit processes used in water and wastewater treatment: A review. Archives of Environmental Protection, 48(4), 102–128. https://doi.org/10.24425/aep.2022.143713