Microplastics in the Body: How Dangerous Are These Plastic Particles to Our Health?

Microplastics are no longer just an environmental problem. These tiny plastic particles have now been detected in drinking water, food, the air, and even the human body. Researchers have already found microplastics in the blood, lungs, vascular deposits, and the placentas of unborn children.

But what does that mean for our health? And how can we reduce our daily exposure?

What are microplastics?

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than five millimeters. They are formed when larger plastic products break down into increasingly smaller fragments due to sunlight, heat, wind, or mechanical stress.

So-called nanoplastic particles are even smaller. Because of their small size, they could overcome biological barriers and penetrate tissue.

Today, microplastics can be found almost everywhere—from the oceans to the atmosphere.

Where do microplastics come from?

Microplastics aren't just created by discarded plastic waste. We encounter many sources of them in our daily lives:

• Tire Wear in Road Traffic
• Synthetic clothing made of polyester or nylon
• Food packaging and disposable products
• Plastic bottles
• Plastic wrap and plastic containers
• Plastic Cutting Boards

Chemical additives in plastics are also particularly relevant. The PlastChem Report 2024 identified more than 16,000 different chemicals in plastics. Thousands of these are considered potentially harmful to the environment or human health.

How do microplastics enter the body?

We are exposed to microplastics primarily through food and drinking water. We also inhale microplastics, particularly indoors, where plastic fibers can accumulate in household dust.

Scientists have already detected microplastics in:

• human blood
• lung tissue
• Almonds for Children
• placental tissue
• Vascular deposits

A 2024 study by Stanford University even showed that microplastics can be deeply embedded in the tissue of children’s tonsils—even though the children in question had not been exposed to any unusual levels of plastic.

Are microplastics harmful to health?

This question is of interest to researchers around the world. Findings to date show that microplastics not only enter the body but may also influence biological processes there.

Studies suggest links to:

• Inflammatory reactions
• oxidative stress
• Changes in the Gut Microbiome
• hormonal disorders
• Cardiovascular Diseases

A study published in 2024 in the New England Journal of Medicine received particular attention. The researchers found micro- and nanoplastic particles in vascular deposits from patients. Individuals with detectable particles had a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death during the observation period.

However, it is important to note that science cannot yet definitively determine what levels of microplastics are harmful to health or what the long-term consequences of lifelong exposure might be. Much of the current evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies.

Microplastics, Oxidative Stress, and Cell Health

In addition to the direct effects on organs and tissues, researchers are increasingly interested in the impact of microplastics at the cellular level.

Initial studies suggest that micro- and nanoplastic particles may promote oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Since both processes are associated with aging and various chronic diseases, microplastics are increasingly becoming a focus of healthy aging research.

Whether and to what extent these effects are relevant in humans in the long term is currently the subject of intensive research.

Can the body eliminate microplastics?

Some of the ingested microplastic particles are excreted through the intestines and the respiratory tract. It is not yet fully understood how long microplastic and, in particular, nanoplastic particles can remain in the human body. To date, there are no scientifically proven methods for specifically removing microplastics from the body. Experts therefore recommend, above all, keeping daily exposure as low as possible.

How can you avoid microplastics?

It is virtually impossible to completely avoid microplastics today. Nevertheless, there are a few simple steps you can take to reduce your daily exposure:

• Buy food that is as fresh and unpackaged as possible
• Do not heat food in plastic containers
• Use glass, ceramic, or stainless steel instead of plastic
• Treat tap water using a suitable filter
• Choose natural fibers such as cotton, linen, or wool
• Ventilate living spaces regularly and remove dust
• Use wooden, bamboo, or glass cutting boards instead of plastic ones
• Avoid single-use packaging for hot food and beverages whenever possible

Even small changes in our daily lives can help reduce our exposure to microplastics.

Conclusion: What We Know Today About Microplastics

Microplastics can now be detected almost everywhere in our environment—and, increasingly, in the human body as well. Researchers are currently conducting intensive studies to determine what long-term effects this might have on our health.

Even though many questions remain unanswered, the findings so far suggest that we should reduce our personal impact wherever possible without too much effort. Using less plastic in daily life, eating a diet that is as unprocessed as possible, and being mindful of how we use packaging are simple steps that anyone can take.

One thing is certain: Microplastics are not only an environmental issue but also, increasingly, a health issue that will continue to occupy the scientific community and society in the coming years.

Scientific Sources

1. Ragusa A. et al. First evidence of microplastics in the human placenta. Environment International. 2021. 
2. Leslie H.A. et al. Discovery and quantification of plastic particle pollution in human blood. Environment International. 2022. 
3. Marfella R. et al. Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events. New England Journal of Medicine. 2024. 
4. Zimmermann, L., et al. PlastChem Report: Chemicals in Plastics. 2024.
5. Landrigan, P.J., et al. The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health. Annals of Global Health. 2023.
6. Campanale C. et al. Potential effects of microplastics and additives of concern on human health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020.
7. Wang Y.L. et al. Potential health impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics on the cardiovascular system. Science of the Total Environment. 2024. 

Scientific Note

The effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on human health are currently the subject of intensive research. Many of the findings are considered promising, but have not yet been conclusively established. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.