From Tap Water to Takeout: 7 Everyday Ways Microplastics Invade Your Body
Microplastics have become a part of our everyday environment—and unfortunately, our bodies too. Found in our food, water, and even the air, these microscopic plastic particles are now being detected in human blood, lungs, and even placental tissue. But how exactly do microplastics get into our bodies?
In this post, we’ll uncover the top 7 sources of microplastic exposure, backed by the latest science. You’ll also learn how to minimize your contact with these invisible intruders and take steps toward protecting your long-term health.
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments less than 5 millimeters in size. They’re classified as either:
Primary microplastics – manufactured at a small size (like microbeads in cosmetics)
Secondary microplastics – formed when larger plastic waste breaks down from sunlight, heat, or friction
Once in the environment, microplastics make their way into our ecosystems—and eventually, into our bodies.
The Top 7 Sources of Microplastics in the Human Body
1. Bottled and Tap Water
One of the most common—and surprising—sources of microplastic exposure is the water we drink.
🧪 Fact: An international study by Orb Media found that over 90% of bottled water brands contained microplastic particles (polypropylene, nylon, and polyethylene terephthalate), with an average of 325 particles per liter.
Though to a lesser extent, tap water is also affected, especially in regions where aging infrastructure and environmental pollution allow plastic particles to seep into the water supply.
How to Reduce Exposure:
Use a reverse osmosis or carbon block water filter
Drink from glass or stainless steel bottles instead of plastic
2. Seafood (Especially Shellfish)
Because microplastics are abundant in oceans, marine animals—especially bottom feeders and filter feeders like oysters, mussels, and shrimp—often ingest them. These microplastics can accumulate in their bodies and be passed on to humans through consumption.
🐟 Shellfish are commonly eaten whole, meaning we consume not just the muscle but also organs that may contain plastic particles.
How to Reduce Exposure:
Limit consumption of shellfish and small fish
Buy from sustainable sources that test for contaminants
3. Household Dust
Believe it or not, the air inside your home can be loaded with microplastic particles from synthetic fabrics, plastic packaging, carpet fibers, and furniture.
Children are particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to the floor and tendency to put objects in their mouths.
How to Reduce Exposure:
Vacuum frequently using a HEPA filter vacuum
Use an air purifier in high-traffic areas
Swap synthetic textiles for natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen
4. Food Packaging
Plastic containers, wrappers, and even tea bags can leach microplastics directly into your food—especially when heated or exposed to acidic or fatty substances.
🔥 Heating plastic in the microwave significantly increases microplastic shedding into food.
How to Reduce Exposure:
Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers
Store food in glass or stainless steel
Skip individually wrapped snacks when possible
5. Synthetic Clothing
Each time you wash clothes made of polyester, nylon, or acrylic, they shed thousands of microfibers that end up in wastewater—and potentially back into your body via water or air.
👕 A single load of laundry can release up to 700,000 microfibers.
How to Reduce Exposure:
Install a washing machine filter or use a Guppyfriend bag
Buy clothing made from natural fibers
Wash synthetic fabrics less frequently and at lower temperatures
6. Personal Care Products
Some exfoliants, toothpastes, and cosmetics contain microbeads—tiny plastic particles used for scrubbing or thickening. Although banned in some countries, they still exist in many formulations worldwide.
How to Reduce Exposure:
Check product labels for polyethylene, polypropylene, or acrylates
Use natural exfoliants like sugar, salt, or ground oats
7. Takeout Containers and Coffee Cups
That to-go coffee cup may seem harmless, but many are lined with polyethylene plastic. Hot liquids can cause this lining to break down, leaching microplastics into your drink. Foam containers and plastic utensils pose similar risks.
How to Reduce Exposure:
Bring your own reusable coffee cup and utensils
Avoid polystyrene (Styrofoam) containers
Final Thoughts
Microplastics are nearly impossible to avoid entirely—but awareness is the first step toward reducing your exposure. From switching to reusable containers to filtering your water and choosing natural fibers, small changes can have a big impact on your body’s microplastic burden.
Sources: Forbes, Orb Media, Guardian, Today.com, Science Direct, National Institute Health, Good Start Packaging
