Plastics, Microplastics, Nanoplastics
A threat to our environment and our health.
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Plastics have become a ubiquitous part of modern life. They are used in food packaging, medical devices, clothing, consumer products, construction materials, and countless other applications. While plastics provide many benefits, growing scientific evidence suggests that plastic pollution and exposure to certain plastic-related chemicals and microorganisms may pose risks to human health and the environment.
As plastics break down, they form increasingly smaller particles known as microplastics and nanoplastics. These particles have been found in oceans, rivers, drinking water, food, air, wildlife, and even human blood, lungs, and placental tissue. Scientists continue to study how these exposures may affect human health.
For more than two decades, we have examined environmental contaminants that affect human health. Through research, education, and policy engagement, we work to increase public understanding of plastics, microplastics, associated chemicals, and opportunities to reduce exposure.
Recommendation: There is no way to remove micro- and nanoplastics once they are in the environment. Instead, we should reduce their source, macroplastics.
Why It Matters
Plastic production has increased dramatically over the past several decades, and plastic waste has become a global environmental challenge. Plastics are relatively new. In 1950, plastics were almost never used.
People encounter plastics every day through food packaging, bottled beverages, synthetic clothing, cosmetics, household products, and countless consumer goods. As these products age or degrade, they may release microscopic plastic particles or chemical additives into the environment.
Although research is still evolving, scientists continue to actively investigate whether microplastics and chemicals associated with plastics contribute to inflammation, endocrine disruption, reproductive health concerns, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other health outcomes.
Reducing unnecessary plastic pollution and limiting exposure to potentially harmful chemicals may help protect both human health and the environment.
What You Should Know
Microplastics and Nanoplastics Are Everywhere
Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than five millimeters and as small as 1 micrometer (or micron, 0.001 mm). And nanoplastics are even smaller. They have been found in oceans, lakes, rivers, drinking water, seafood, table salt, household dust, and the air we breathe. In fact, there are virtually no studies that have found a place where they do not exist. Learn more at these websites: NIEHS, WHO
Microplastics and Nanoplastics Are Found in Your Body
Microplastics and nanoplastics can enter the human body through food, water, and air. For several years, they have been measured in the gut. Recent research suggests that they translocate (pass between parts of the body) and are found throughout the human body in other organs and tissues. Learn more at these websites: FDA, NLM
Fundamental Plastic Characteristics
Plastics can be built from several different simple molecules. These can be connected to each other in almost limitless chains filling three dimensions. These pure plastics are believed to be relatively safe. However, almost all plastics contain other chemicals as additives that are included to give the plastics desirable properties like flexibility and toughness. In addition, micro- and nanoplastics have enormous surface areas that can adsorb and carry undesirable chemicals (toxins) with which they come in contact. Their surfaces are also good habitats for microorganisms including harmful pathogens. Learn more at these websites: EPA, WHO
Plastic Food Packaging Can Be a Source of Exposure
Food containers, bottled beverages, plastic wraps, and plastic food packaging materials may release microscopic plastic particles or chemical additives under certain conditions, particularly when heated or damaged. Learn more at these websites: NLM, FDA, NIH
BPA, Phthalates, and Plastic Additives
Some plastics contain chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and other additives that are used to improve flexibility, durability, or other product characteristics. Researchers continue to study how these substances may affect hormone systems and human health. There is not yet full consensus, but many studies suggest harms may be significant. A cautious approach would be to avoid contact as much as possible. Learn more at these websites: NIEHS: Bisphenol A (BPA), NIEHS: Endocrine Disruptors
Plastic Pollution Affects Both People and the Environment
Plastic waste can accumulate in waterways, soils, and oceans where it affects wildlife, ecosystems, and potentially human health through the food chain. Learn more at these websites: UNEP, NOAA
Prevention Matters
Although research continues to evolve, reducing unnecessary plastic use and limiting exposure to certain plastic-related chemicals are practical steps that can help reduce risk. Learn more at these websites: EPA
Our Work
EHHI has examined the relationship between plastics, environmental contaminants, and human health through research, education, and policy engagement.
Areas of work have included:
- Microplastics
- Plastic pollution
- BPA and phthalates
- Consumer products
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals
- Food packaging
- Environmental exposures
Through reports, educational materials, scientific reviews, and policy recommendations, we have helped increase awareness of plastic-related environmental health issues.
Featured Resources
Please download and read these important publications.
Our Recommendations
Protecting human health from plastic pollution requires collaboration among governments, industry, researchers, communities, and individuals.
National Government
- Continue supporting research on the health effects of microplastics and plastic-associated chemicals.
- Increase transparency regarding chemicals used in plastic products and food packaging.
- Strengthen safety evaluations for food-contact materials and consumer products.
- Improve national monitoring of microplastics in drinking water, food, and the environment.
State & Provincial Government
- Reduce unnecessary single-use plastics in government facilities and schools.
- Expand recycling and waste reduction programs that help reduce plastic pollution.
- Encourage procurement of safer alternatives to plastic products when practical.
- Support monitoring of microplastics in drinking water and surface waters.
Local Government
- Reduce plastic waste entering local waterways through community clean-up efforts.
- Encourage refillable water bottle and reusable food container programs.
- Support proper recycling and household hazardous waste disposal.
- Educate residents about reducing unnecessary plastic use in everyday life.
Individuals
To help reduce your exposure to plastics, microplastics, and nanoplastics, you can:
- Carry a reusable stainless steel or glass water bottle when practical.
- Choose glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers for storing and reheating food.
- Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers unless they are specifically designed for microwave use.
- Reduce consumption of heavily packaged foods when practical.
- Limit the use of single-use plastic bags, bottles, utensils, and straws.
- Wash synthetic clothing less frequently and consider using a microfiber-catching laundry filter or bag to reduce microfiber pollution.
- Participate in local recycling and community clean-up events.
- Stay informed about emerging research on plastics and human health.
- Download our Fast Look Checklists to reduce your exposure to various plastics.
Current Developments
Explore these authoritative websites for the latest developments in emerging plastics and microplastics research, policy developments, and their related environmental and human health concerns.
- Microplastics Research Expands: Scientists continue studying where microplastics are found in the human body. Visit Nature.
- Plastic Packaging and Food Contact: Researchers continue evaluating plastic food packaging as a source of exposure. Visit ScienceDirect.
- State Plastic Reduction Policies: States continue considering policies to reduce single-use plastics. Visit UMich.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that result from the physical breakdown of larger plastic items. In the past, some microplastic beads were manufactured for use in products such as cosmetics and industrial materials, but these are now largely banned. Visit NOAA to learn more.
Are microplastics found in drinking water and food?
Yes. Studies have found microplastics everywhere they have looked, including in bottled water, tap water, in most foods, table salt, and in the air. Scientists continue to study what these exposures mean for human health. Visit WHO to learn more.
Should I avoid plastic food containers?
Plastic food containers can be used safely at least according to manufacturers. However, some public health experts recommend avoiding heating food in plastic containers and replacing damaged containers to reduce potential chemical migration. It’s better to heat or microwave in glass, metal, or ceramic containers. Visit FDA to learn more.
What can individuals do to reduce plastic exposure?
People can reduce exposure by limiting utilizing single-use plastics, avoiding heating food in plastic containers, choosing alternatives like glass, metal, and paper. Fresh and minimally processed foods generally container lower levels of microplastics. Visit National Geographic to learn more.
What is EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility)?
EPR is a policy approach that seeks to make the producers of plastics responsible for their eventual fate (collection, destruction, or true recycling). It moves responsibility from consumers to the producers. Visit NCSL to learn more.
Download our Fast Look Checklist for reducing your plastics exposure.