Microplastics are a hot topic nowadays, as the tiny plastic particles exist almost everywhere — in our water, air and even the food we consume. Though microplastics are often microscopic, they have a huge impact on our bodies.
A February 2025 study, for instance, found higher concentrations of microplastics in cadaver brain samples compared to liver and kidney tissues. Even more concerning, brain tissue from dementia patients in the same study showed up to 10 times more microplastic buildup than tissue from patients without dementia.
To combat microplastics accumulating in your own body, you can take steps to reduce them in your kitchen. But first, let’s discuss how harmful microplastics actually are and where they hide in our homes.
Are microplastics harmful?
Microplastics have become a serious problem for pollution, and now scientists worry about their potential health effects. An estimated 22,000,000 micro and nanoplastics are inhaled by humans each year, and that is largely because they are so hard to avoid. You’re exposed to microplastics in three ways: inhalation, ingestion or touch.
Microplastics have been shown to cause a number of issues in the human body. Microplastics and nanoplastics found in blood vessels have been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and, in severe cases, even death. Tissue inflammation, cell death and lung and liver impacts have all been noted. In animals and marine life, they can also cause oxidative and DNA damage, as well as cancer. Mice were shown to have reduced sperm count, ovarian scarring and hereditary metabolic disorders.
Much is still unknown about the exact effects of microplastics, but studies so far have been sobering. They’ve inspired many home chefs to reconsider what they use in the kitchen and put in their bodies.
Plastic utensils can leach microplastics into your food when exposed to high heat levels.
Studies also show that plastic utensils release microplastics into your food, especially when used with hotter foods. When you ingest the food, you also ingest microplastics that settle into your body and bloodstream.
4. Tea bags
It may come as a surprise, but microplastics could be hiding in your tea bags. When you brew tea, the bag is exposed to extremely high temperatures that can release its microplastics. This comes from polypropylene, a key component in the manufacturing of tea bags. Researchers at Spain’s Autonomous University of Barcelona found that billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles are released from a single tea bag for every millimeter of water it is submerged in.
Reusable metal or bamboo straws are great alternatives to plastic ones.
Fresh produce or frozen produce
Plastic linings in canned food can hold microplastics, so to eliminate your exposure, look for foods that are packaged in glass instead. You can also opt to use fresh and frozen foods and produce that skips the packaging altogether.
Cast iron, carbon steel or stainless steel cookware
Plastic cookware is common in many kitchens, but there are alternatives. Products like stainless steel skillets, frying pans and cast iron pans can all be great ways to upgrade your cookware without risking further exposure to microplastics.
The bottom line
Microplastics can lurk in our kitchens, hiding in our cookware and utensils and making their way into our food. Though research continues, microplastics have been shown to cause damage to the human body, causing huge concerns over the products we use and the materials used to make them.
However, hope is not lost. With a few simple changes, you can lessen your exposure to microplastics, thus better protecting your health. To learn more, here are the most common foods with microplastics and tips for reducing your intake.
