Microplastics Aren't Just an Environmental Problem Anymore
For years, people have talked about microplastics as something happening "out there," polluting our oceans, harming marine life, and showing up in remote corners of the planet. But recent research is making the conversation more personal. These tiny plastic fragments aren't just in our environment; they're in our bodies.
What the latest research is showing
This past week, several new studies caught our attention, linking microplastics directly to human health:
In our lungs: Researchers found that polyester microplastics, which shed from the clothing and fabrics we use every day, can actually damage lung cells. They trigger oxidative stress, harm mitochondria, and cause inflammation in ways that look a lot like the early stages of chronic lung disease.
At the cellular level: Another study raised concerns that microplastics (and even tinier nanoplastics) might contribute to cancer development by interfering with how our cells communicate with each other. These particles are accumulating in tissues throughout our bodies, from our lungs, digestive system, and reproductive organs to even the placenta.
In our gut: Research on the microbiome showed that exposure to five common types of plastic caused changes in gut bacteria that mirror patterns seen in depression and colorectal cancer.
Why we're paying attention
This isn't fringe science anymore. The evidence that microplastics are appearing in human blood, organs, and tissue is growing, and researchers are starting to understand how these particles interfere with our biology.
Most striking is how this connects to everyday life: the air in our homes, the water we drink, the fabrics we wear. It's become clear that the line between environmental and personal health has all but disappeared.
What this means for us
This feels like a turning point. The more we learn, the more we see that choosing sustainable, plastic-free alternatives isn't just about protecting the planet. It's about protecting ourselves and the people we love.
We'll keep following the latest research and sharing what we discover. The good news? We can all take steps today to reduce our exposure.
Sources:
- Song, S. et al., Inhalable textile microplastic fibers impair airway epithelial differentiation, University of Groningen et al., Nov 2023
- Bruno, A. et al., "Orally Ingested Micro- and Nano-Plastics: A Hidden Driver for the Increased Incidence of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) in High-Risk Populations", Cancers, 2024
- Laws, J., "Microplastics Are Changing Your Insides in Unexpected Ways", Newsweek, 9 Oct 2025