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Microplastics and Health
What Can We Do to Limit Our Exposure to MP?
First, it’s important to know that the chemical structure of MP makes them sensitive to certain environmental factors, including heat and acidity. Plastic can decompose or release fine particles when exposed to high temperatures. For example, heating water in a plastic bottle or cooking food in a plastic container can cause MP and associated chemicals to transfer into the food or beverage. Acidic environments (such as coffee and certain fruit juices, sauces, or fermented beverages) can weaken the structure of plastic, accelerating the breakdown into microplastics and the release of chemical compounds.
It’s impossible to completely avoid exposure to MP, but it is possible to limit it on a daily basis. Here are eight actions to reduce your exposure to MP:
- Choose filtered tap water over plastic water bottles.
- Avoid plastic in contact with heat: do not heat plastic containers in the microwave, do not pour boiling water into plastic bottles or cups, and avoid coffee machines that use plastic capsules.
- Use durable containers for food storage: glass, stainless steel, or ceramic rather than plastic.
- Reduce food plastics and disposable packaging: cook more with fresh produce, avoid ultra-processed foods, and choose bulk or glass, metal, or cardboard packaging.
- Ventilate your home daily and vacuum regularly, preferably with a HEPA filter, to limit microplastics present in dust.
- Choose cosmetics and hygiene products without microplastics, checking the ingredient list to avoid microbeads.
- Limit synthetic clothing (polyester, nylon, acrylic) and prefer natural fibers such as cotton, linen, or wool.
- Wash clothes at low temperatures, less frequently, and use a special laundry bag or filter to capture plastic fibers. Air-dry clothes whenever possible instead of using the dryer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, MP represent a potential emerging threat to human health, although their precise effects still require extensive research. The current literature does not conclusively demonstrate the adverse effects of MP on human health, nor does it confirm their safety. While MP cannot be completely avoided, adopting simple actions can significantly reduce exposure while encouraging more sustainable habits for both health and the environment.
Sources
Nurshad et al (2024) The potential impacts of micro-and-nano plastics on various organ systems in humans. The Lancet; 99.
Bora et al. (2024) Microplastics and human health: unveiling the gut microbiome disruption and chronic disease risks. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology; 14, 1492759.
Zurub et al (2024) Microplastics exposure : implication for human fertility, pregnancy and child health. Frontiers in Endocrinology; 15, 1444642.
Kumar (2025) Unseen Dangers: The Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastics on Human Reproductive Health – A Narrative Review. Recent Adv Inflamm Allergy Drug Discov; 12:127–140.
Winiarska et al. (2024) The potential impact of nano- and microplastics on human health: Understanding human health risks. Environmental Research, 251;118535.
Nihart et al (2025) Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains. Nature Medicine;31:1114–19.
Zhang et al (2025) Tiny trouble: microplastics, nanoplastics, and their heartfelt impact on cardiovascular health. Cardiovasc Res;121(7):992-1010
Marfella et al. (2024) Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events. N Engl J Med; 390(10):1005–13.
Author
Kathryn holds a Bachelor Degree in Nutrition as well as a Bachelor and a Master Degree in Kinesiology, all from Laval University. She is a Registered Dietitian and active member of the Ordre professionnel des Diététistes Nutritionnistes du Québec (ODNQ) and of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She holds the Monash University's certification for the FODMAP diet and IBS, and has considerable clinical experience in that area. She is also an accomplished athlete, having ran track and cross-country at a national level. Kathryn specializes in sports nutrition, weight loss, diabetes, as well as heart and gastrointestinal health.
This is a very informative article and well written. Thank you Kathryn.