Microplastics are small plastic particles that are less than 5 millimeters in size. They form when large plastic materials, such as packaging, textiles, tires, and industrial coatings, break down through heat, friction, or wear. These particles do not degrade; instead, they persist in the environment. Their size makes them especially dangerous because they’re small enough to bypass your body’s defenses and accumulate in your tissue.
In 2019, the world produced 460 million tons of plastic,1 and that number is projected to triple by 2060.2 So it’s no surprise that microplastics are everywhere — polluting our oceans, contaminating our food, and even filling the air we breathe. One of the starkest warnings now comes from birds.
Birds are considered environmental sentinels because they show early signs of ecological damage. A recent study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials3 found microplastics embedded in the lung tissue of dozens of wild bird species. The fact that plastic has accumulated inside their lungs means the same is likely happening to you — perhaps even to a greater degree.
New Study Reveals Airborne Microplastics in Bird Lungs
A 2025 study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials analyzed lung tissue from 51 different bird species living near Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in China. The goal was to see whether microplastics (tiny plastic particles between 1 micrometer and 5 millimeters) and even smaller nanoplastics (less than 1 micrometer) were present, and if so, in what quantity.4
• Plastic particles were found in every single bird tested — Across all 51 species, the researchers found a total of 11,281 plastic particles. On average, each bird had about 221 particles in its lungs, or roughly 416 particles per gram of lung tissue. Some birds had only a few particles, like the Little Bunting, which had 11. Others, like the Grey Heron, had over 1,400.
• Two types of plastic showed up most often — Out of 32 types of plastic detected, chlorinated polyethylene and butadiene rubber were the most common. These plastics are often used in packaging, cables, and tires. Most of the particles were shaped like films or small pellets and measured between 20 and 50 microns.
• Certain types of birds had higher plastic levels — The researchers noticed that some birds, especially those that live on land, eat other animals, or are larger in size, tended to have more plastic particles in their lungs. These differences likely reflect how much time the birds spend in polluted areas and how their habits affect exposure.
• Nanoplastics were found in several species — In addition to microplastics, the team looked for even smaller particles called nanoplastics in five of the bird species. Their tests revealed nanoplastics made of materials like nylon 66, polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), all commonly used in clothing, packaging, and building materials.
• The study ranked plastic particles by ecological risk — Using something called the Polymer Hazard Index, the researchers evaluated the types and amounts of plastic found to estimate their potential environmental harm. Most bird lung samples were ranked at level III or IV on this scale, meaning they carried a higher risk to wildlife.
• Bird findings suggest shared risk for humans — This study is the first large-scale study to confirm widespread plastic contamination across dozens of bird species. Previous research had only looked at a few species at a time. According to Shane DuBay, assistant professor of biology at the University of Texas at Arlington and part of the research team:
“Our research highlights an urgent need to address plastic pollution in our environments, as these contaminants can have far-reaching impacts on ecosystem health, as well as human health. Our findings call for further research, funding and action to mitigate the harmful effects of plastic pollution and ensure a healthier environment.”5
Microplastics Have Also Been Detected in Human Lung Tissue
Even in humans, microplastics have been found deep in the lungs. The researchers behind the bird study pointed to a 2022 investigation as a comparison. Published in Science of The Total Environment,6 this study analyzed lung samples from 11 patients in the U.K. who were undergoing surgery at Castle Hill Hospital. The researchers reported the following findings:
• Microplastics showed up in almost every sample — Out of 13 tissue samples tested, 11 contained microplastic particles. A total of 39 individual fragments were identified using a method capable of detecting plastics as small as 3 microns, which is small enough to be invisible to the eye but large enough to enter and stay in lung tissue.
• Plastic particles were present in all areas of the lung — Samples were taken from the upper, middle, and lower lobes, and plastic was found in each region. The lower lobes had the highest levels, with an average of 3.12 plastic particles per gram of tissue. By comparison, the upper lobes had 0.80 per gram and the middle lobes had 0.41.
• Twelve different plastic types were identified — The most common plastics were polypropylene (used in packaging and textiles), polyethylene terephthalate or PET (commonly found in drink bottles), and resin. Others included polystyrene, PVC, and polyurethane, all materials frequently used in construction, insulation, or consumer goods.
• Particles came in different shapes and sizes — The fragments varied widely, from small fibers and films to larger irregular pieces. Some were just 12 microns long, while others stretched over 2,400 microns. The largest was a PET particle measuring 2,475 microns in length and 12 microns across.
For a deeper look at how airborne microplastics affect health, check out “Airborne Microplastics Linked to Multiple Health Problems.”
What Are the Other Health Problems Linked to Microplastic Exposure?
Microplastics do not just stay in the lungs. Once these particles enter your body, they interact with your cells, organs, and hormones. Here are five key areas where microplastics have been shown to interfere with human biology:
• Disruption of hormone balance — Plastic particles carry compounds known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA). These chemicals disrupt hormonal balance by mimicking or blocking natural hormones. They bind to estrogen and androgen receptors and disrupt key functions related to metabolism, fertility, mood, and thyroid regulation.7,8
In addition, when combined with natural estrogen, exposure to EDCs leads to estrogen overload and initiates a series of harmful events. Learn more about the effects of EDCs in “Exposing Toxic Chemicals in Consumer Products.”
• Chronic inflammation and immune activation — Your immune system treats plastic particles as invaders. When those particles lodge in tissues, they set off an inflammatory response. Research has shown that microplastics increase immune activity and inflammatory markers. Over time, this raises your risk for autoimmune issues, ongoing low-grade inflammation, and chronic illnesses.9,10,11
• Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction — Microplastics are linked to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage DNA, proteins, and cell membranes. This oxidative stress is particularly harmful to mitochondria, which in turn impairs cellular energy production. This compromises metabolic function, cognitive performance, and your ability to recover from stress or injury.12,13,14
• Disruption of gut health and digestion — Microplastics irritate and inflame the intestinal lining, which weakens the gut barrier and allows harmful substances to enter the bloodstream.
They also disrupt your gut microbiome by reducing beneficial bacteria and encouraging the growth of harmful strains. This imbalance affects nutrient absorption, digestion, and immune regulation, which contribute to bloating, sensitivities, and chronic gut inflammation.15,16,17
• Crossing into protected areas of the body — Nanoplastics have been shown to cross the placenta and blood-brain barrier. That means they reach fetal tissues and the central nervous system. This raises serious questions about long-term neurological and developmental effects. If you’re pregnant, trying to conceive, or raising children, minimizing microplastic exposure should be a priority.18,19
Read “Microplastics Continue to Threaten Public Health” for a deeper look at how these particles disrupt biological systems and impact long-term health.
5 Strategies to Reduce Your Exposure to Microplastics
Most people think of plastic pollution as an ocean problem. But the truth is, the most damaging exposure is happening inside your own home. You breathe it, eat it, sleep in it, and sit on it. If you want to lower the plastic load in your body, you need to change what’s around you. These five steps target the most common sources. Here are five practical, targeted steps I recommend:
1. Use reusable bags instead of plastic — Every plastic bag you use contributes to long-term environmental plastic load. Reusable bags made of fabric or canvas don’t shed plastic particles and don’t end up breaking down in your kitchen, car, or trash bin. If you’re someone who shops frequently, you’ll cut down on hundreds of plastic bags a year just by making this switch.
2. Store food in glass or stainless steel containers — Plastic containers break down over time, especially when heated. This releases microplastic fragments and chemical residues that end up in your food and air. Use glass jars, Pyrex, stainless containers, or beeswax wraps instead. Avoid cling film or cheap plastic containers.
3. Stop using single-use plastic items — Straws, cutlery, and water bottles are wasteful and shed microplastics as you use them. I recommend carrying your own utensils, switching to a metal water bottle, and avoiding any plastic item designed to be thrown away after one use. If you’re already minimizing single-use items, focus next on replacing plastic kitchenware like spatulas, scoops, or cutting boards.
4. Cut down on plastic-based products in your home — That includes synthetic rugs, furniture with polyurethane foam, plastic-coated curtains, and plastic toothbrushes. These items slowly degrade and release airborne particles. If you’re not sure where to begin, start with high-rotation items — your bedding, what you sleep on, or what you cook with. Choose natural alternatives like bamboo, wood, wool, cotton, or ceramic.
5. Improve indoor air quality — Open windows regularly, vacuum and dust frequently, and use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to capture fine airborne particles, especially if you live in an urban area or spend time around synthetic fabrics and materials.
Another point I would like to emphasize is that many plastic chemicals are xenoestrogens that mimic the effects of estrogen in your body. In fact, most of the hazards associated with these chemicals stem from the stimulation of your estrogen receptors.
In cases of estrogen dominance, supplemental progesterone is helpful. Progesterone is a natural estrogen antagonist and counteracts the adverse effects of excess estrogen. It’s one of three hormones I believe many adults can benefit from. The remaining two are DHEA and pregnenolone. In the next section, I’ll go into detail about how to administer progesterone properly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Microplastics and Health
Q: What are microplastics, and why are they dangerous?
A: Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size. They come from broken-down plastic products and enter your body through the air, food, or water. Because they’re so small, they bypass your body’s defenses and build up in your tissues, where they cause inflammation, hormone disruption, and long-term health problems.
Q: Have microplastics been found in humans?
A: Yes. Studies have found microplastics in human lungs, blood, stool, and even placenta. One 2022 study discovered plastic particles in nearly every lung tissue sample tested. These plastics come from packaging, clothing, furniture, and everyday household items.
Q: What health problems do microplastics cause?
A: Microplastics are linked to hormone imbalance, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, digestive issues, and mitochondrial damage. They also carry chemicals that disrupt fertility, metabolism, and immune function. Some particles are small enough to reach your brain and even cross into fetal tissue.
Q: What everyday household items produce microplastics?
A: Common household items that produce microplastic particles include synthetic carpets, polyester bedding, upholstered furniture with foam cushions, plastic food containers, nonstick cookware, and clothing made from nylon, spandex, or acrylic.
Q: What’s the best way to reduce microplastic exposure?
A: Small daily changes to your environment make a big difference over time. Use glass or stainless steel for food storage, stop using single-use plastics, switch to natural materials for bedding and home items, and improve your home’s indoor air quality with HEPA filters.
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