Microplastics — How Serious Is the Risk to Our Health?

By Wayne Persky

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The absorption of microplastics into various organs of the human body may impose serious and wide-ranging health issues, particularly in regard to neurological health and chronic disease risk. A recently published study found higher levels of microplastics in human brain tissue, than in liver and kidney tissues (Nihart, et al., 2025).1 And the amount of plastic particles in the brain has increased significantly over time (from 2016 to 2024). A significant portion of these plastics consisted of polyethylene, which was present in brain tissue at higher proportions than in the liver or kidney.​

Higher microplastics levels correlated with dementia.

The researchers found that the brains of individuals with documented dementia had significantly higher levels of plastic micro-and nanoparticles. Microplastics were observed in cerebrovascular walls and immune cells, suggesting a possible role in inflammation or neurodegeneration.

Systemic exposure is increasing over time.

The concentration of microplastics in all three organs (brain, liver, kidney) has increased substantially over the past decade. This trend suggests that environmental exposure to microplastics is rising exponentially, making long-term health effects a growing concern.

Previous microplastics toxicity studies have shown that:

microplastics are linked with inflammation, oxidative stress, and potential cardiovascular risks (such as increased plaque buildup in arteries). Animal studies have shown that microplastics can disrupt cellular processes, leading to tissue damage.

And researchers at Rutgers University have recently found more concerns.

They discovered that micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) increase the absorption of toxic pollutants in plants and human intestinal cells, raising serious food safety concerns (Rutgers University,2025, February 11).2

Lettuce exposed to both MNPs and pollutants (arsenic, and boscalid) absorbed significantly more toxins than plants exposed to pollutants alone (Bui, et al., 2025).3 Boscalid is a fungicide mostly used on some fruits. While it's labeled for use on vegetables, it's not often used on vegetables. By far, the most commonly used class of fungicides in the world, is the triazoles. Therefore, by choosing to use boscalid, the researchers may (or may not) have confounded the data.

In the study, nanoscale plastics (20 nm) had a stronger effect than microscale plastics (1000 nm), increasing arsenic uptake into edible plant tissues nearly threefold. MNPs accumulated in both roots and leaves, implying that toxic pollutants could enter the food supply.

A study using a human intestinal cell model found that nano-plastics increased arsenic absorption sixfold. The presence of arsenic or pesticides doubled plastic absorption by intestinal cells, suggesting a dangerous cycle of mutual toxicity enhancement. Smaller plastic particles are more likely to bypass biological barriers, increasing risks for toxicity and disease.

Plastics and pollutants act synergistically.

MNPs not only carry toxins, but they increase the bioavailability of toxins in both plants and human cells. Hydroponic and soil-based studies confirmed that MNPs help pollutants travel more efficiently from soil to edible crops, therefore amplifying potential health risks.

MNPs create long-term concerns.

Plastic pollution is persistent. Even if new plastic production were to stop, existing waste continues breaking down into micro- and nano-particles. Conventional agriculture (especially organic vegetable production), uses plastic mulch and other plastic-based materials, potentially introducing MNPs into the food chain. That said, soil-biodegradable plastic mulch (which breaks down into CO2, water, and microbial biomass) is available, although it's much more expensive than conventional plastic mulch.

How widespread is the use of plastic mulch?

Although exact numbers are unavailable, the greatest use of plastic mulch films occurs in China, where approximately 80% of the total plastic mulch use is found. But even in the US, plastic mulch is extensively utilized in commercial vegetable and fruit production in both conventional and organic operations. Because it prevents the growth of weeds, conserves water, and has other advantages, it's especially popular for organic production. Plastic mulch use varies by location and crop, but it's especially predominant in certain crops such as strawberry production, for example.​

In the U.S., certified organic standards currently permit the use of polyethylene (PE) plastic mulch, provided it is removed at the end of the growing season. Biodegradable plastic mulches are not yet approved for organic use in the U.S. due to concerns over their composition and environmental impact. 

How serious are the health risks associated with microplastics?

While causality has not yet been established, the studies strongly suggest that microplastics:

• Can cross the blood-brain barrier, accumulating in the brain.
  
• May contribute to neuroinflammation and cognitive decline (leading to dementia).
  
• Persist in the body over time, potentially leading to chronic disease.
  
• Are increasingly found in human organs, making exposure levels unprecedented in history.

Given that microplastics have already been found in the lungs, intestines, placenta, testes, and major blood vessels, their ability to bioaccumulate and potentially interfere with vital organ function presents a significant concern. This raises urgent questions about whether current plastic exposure levels will lead to higher rates of neurodegenerative diseases, immune dysfunction, or metabolic disorders in the coming decades.

This general trend couldn't be good.

The risks associated with microplastics should not be underestimated. The fact that these particles accumulate in human tissues, especially in the brain, raises serious concerns about long-term health effects. While specific links to disease have not yet been established, the rising levels of plastic exposure and their presence in organs previously thought to be protected from such contamination (for example, the brain) highlight an urgent need for further study and stronger regulations.

How can we limit our risk of exposure to microplastics?

Complete avoidance may be impossible, but we can surely limit our exposure. Limiting exposure to microplastics is the responsibility of both government and individuals. Government regulatory agencies need to set and enforce realistic limits in manufacturing processes and materials used for packaging and food storage. Lakes, rivers, and other sources of drinking water need more careful regulation to exclude contamination by microplastics. And as is usually the case, it's incumbent upon us to set up our own safeguards to limit our exposure to microplastics. As most of us have learned, ultimately, we are all responsible for our own health.

Many governments are beginning to regulate the use of plastics.

Many countries, including the U.S., Canada, and the EU, have banned microplastics in cosmetics and personal care products. The EU, India, and Canada have enacted bans on single-use plastics (for example, plastic straws, cutlery, bags). Germany and South Korea require companies to take responsibility for plastic packaging disposal and recycling.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Environmental Protection Agency of the US (EPA) are evaluating regulations to set limits on microplastic contamination in tap water. The EU is developing regulations to limit microplastic emissions from tire wear, synthetic clothing, and packaging.​

The UN is pushing for a global treaty on plastic pollution. Some countries are investing in chemical recycling to break down plastics more efficiently.

Purifying drinking water is important.

Some cities are installing advanced filtration systems to capture plastic particles before they reach homes. High-quality home water filters can remove most microplastics from drinking water. Reverse osmosis and nanofiltration systems are the most effective at removing microplastics. Studies show that bottled water contains significantly more microplastics than tap water. Avoid plastic water bottles, especially when exposed to heat.

Minimizing fiber shedding by clothing can help.

Washing machine filters (like Guppyfriend bags or Lint LUV-R filters) can reduce microplastic shedding from synthetic fabrics. Research is advancing on non-synthetic fibers that break down naturally (for example, algae-based or cellulose-based materials). Clothing made from natural fibers like cotton, hemp, or wool obviously shed fewer plastic particles.

Innovative packaging materials are being developed.

Some companies are developing plastics made from cornstarch, seaweed, or mycelium that break down safely. Moving away from plastic food and drink containers can significantly reduce exposure.

Some foods are contaminated.

Processed foods are often contaminated with microplastics due to packaging. And most of us are well aware that eating whole foods is much healthier, anyway, so lowering the risk of microplastics exposure is a bonus. Store food in glass, silicone, or stainless steel containers. Heat releases plastic chemicals and microplastics into food.

Even the air in our living spaces contains microplastics.

Microplastics in household dust can be reduced with HEPA filtration systems. Keeping windows open and reducing synthetic materials in furniture and textiles can lower airborne plastic exposure.

Summarizing:

While the full extent of microplastic health risks remains under study, the evidence suggests that exposure levels are rising and may have long-term neurological, cardiovascular, and immune system effects. Prevention efforts should be a combination of policy changes, scientific innovation, and individual lifestyle changes to reduce exposure.

References:

1. Nihart, A. J., Garcia, M. A., El Hayekm E., Liu, R., Olewinen M., Kingstonm J. D., . . . Campen, M. J. (2025). Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains. Nature Medicine, Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03453-1#citeas

2. Rutgers University. (2025, February 11). "Micro-nano plastics make other pollutants more dangerous to plants and intestinal cells." ScienceDaily, Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250211190242.htm

3. Bui, T. H., Zuverza-Mena, N., Kendrick, E., Tamez, C.,. Yadav, M., Alotaibi, S., White, J. C. (2025). Micro-nanoscale polystyrene co-exposure impacts the uptake and translocation of arsenic and boscalid by lettuce (Lactuca sativa). NanoImpact, 37,100541, ISSN 2452-0748, Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.impact.2025.100541