Intro
They’re too small to see — but impossible to ignore. Microplastics have invaded our oceans, air, and even our bodies. These microscopic fragments of plastic pollution are now found in drinking water, food, household dust, and even human bloodstreams. So what exactly are microplastics, and what can you do about them?
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, typically less than 5 millimeters in length. They come from two main sources:
- Primary microplastics: intentionally manufactured, such as microbeads in cosmetics.
- Secondary microplastics: formed when larger plastic waste breaks down from sunlight, weathering, or abrasion.
They don’t biodegrade — they just get smaller and more pervasive.
Where They’re Hiding in Your Home
You might be surprised where microplastics are lurking in your daily life:
- Tap Water – contamination from aging pipes and water systems.
- Household Dust – synthetic fibers from carpets, furniture, and clothing.
- Food Packaging – especially when microwaving or heating plastic containers.
- Personal Care Products – exfoliants, scrubs, and some toothpaste.
- Laundry – washing synthetic clothes releases microfibers into the water supply.
Why They’re a Problem
Research shows that microplastics can:
- Disrupt hormone function
- Damage the liver and kidneys
- Cross the blood-brain barrier in animal studies
- Cause inflammation and oxidative stress
And the environmental impact is staggering — fish and birds are ingesting plastic at every level of the food chain, and plastic pollution is altering marine ecosystems.
How You Can Reduce Your Exposure
- Switch to natural fiber clothing (cotton, hemp, wool)
- Use a microfiber-catching laundry bag or filter
- Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers
- Filter your tap water (look for NSF-certified filters for microplastics)
- Choose bar soap and solid shampoos over plastic-packaged liquids
- Ditch plastic wrap — beeswax or silicone wraps work great
Want more tips? Download our free Plastic-Free Home Starter Kit.
Take Action Microplastics aren’t just an environmental issue — they’re a personal health crisis. But small choices add up. By understanding where plastic pollution hides and how to minimize your contact, you’re already part of the solution.
Explore more guides, tips, and solutions on our Protect Your Home page.
Sources
- WHO: Microplastics in Drinking Water Report (2019)
- National Geographic: Plastic Pollution Facts and Figures
- Environmental Science & Technology: Microplastics in Human Blood Study (2022)
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Cite This Article
Know Plastic. “What Are Microplastics — And Why Should You Care?” knowplastic.org. Accessed [4/30/2025].
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