You’re Eating Plastic Every Day – Here’s the Shocking Truth!

Even though only a few millimetres in size, microplastics are ubiquitous waste in the modern world and have become a major issue in public health and the environment. Almost everything we touch or drink daily contains microplastics, tiny plastic pieces less than 5 mm in size. Our daily use of water and the fact that we wear clothes made of microplastics necessitate microplastic litter being in every part of our lives. For many people, plastic pollution, such as plastic bags and bottles, is what they associate it with. But in reality, the greater threat of microplastics that are unseen, and thus that cannot be controlled successfully, lies in our pathways.


This article not only pinpoints the daily endowment of microplastic particles but also gives brief explanations on the basic science of microplastic particles. The sources from which we get these tiny bits, their effect on human health and the environment, and how we can protect ourselves from them will be the matters discussed in this article. Besides this, we will probe ways to be safe from microplastics and how they find their way to our bodies.



1. Microplastics are defined as small particles made of plastic originating from two main sources:

A. Primary primary microplastics, which include tiny plastics designed purposefully, such as microbeads in personal care products, abrasives, and synthetic fibers in textiles; and

B. Secondary microplastics are pieces that have resulted from the breakdown of larger items made of plastic due to weather, ultraviolet radiation, or mechanical forces. Most are derived from degraded plastic bags, bottles, and synthetic fabrics.



Microscopically small particles can be found in almost every household item and product that we use. These particles can definitely be found inside our daily routines. Here is where those microplastics actually exist and how deep they lie in our lives:
Most of the cosmetics and personal hygiene products contain very small microplastics in the form of microbeads that are used as exfoliating. Such microplastics are washed away into sewers and probably make their way into water bodies, where they eventually contribute to marine pollution. Some examples of these products are:

A. Face scrubs and body washes (containing microbeads of exfoliant)

B. Toothpaste (containing some brands with plastic for whitening purposes)

C. Shampoos and conditioners (some formulas containing synthetic polymers)

D. Makeup Products (cosmetics like lipsticks, foundations, and mascaras may use plastic ingredients.)


Polyester, nylon, and acrylic, the synthetic fibres, shed tiny plastic fibres every time the clothes made from these fibres are washed. These microfibres are so small that they can't be caught in the filters of a washing machine. Hence, they flow down via the wastewater into the rivers and oceans.

A. Polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex clothing

B. Microfiber cleaning cloths

C. Synthetic carpets and upholstery

With every wash, thousands of microplastic fibres are being released into the environment from synthetic clothing. One wash of a synthetic outfit could yield about 700,000 microfibres, which find their way into aquatic ecosystems and into the food chain.
Among the most frequent causes of microplastic pollution are plastic packaging and bottles. Plastic packagings are known to decay over time, releasing microscopic plastic particles into food and beverages. Studies confirm microplastics have been discovered in:

A. Water bottles (plastic leaching from bottles and caps)

B. Food containers (especially in the microwave)

C. Plastic-wrapped food (tiny plastic particles can transfer from packaging)

D. Tea bags (some brands utilize mesh made from plastic, which releases microplastics when steeped in hot water)

Many items found in the home can contribute to microplastic pollution in an unexpected way. These include:

A. Cookware coated with Teflon (scratches and wear release microplastics into food)

B. Schmitts and cleaning pads of plastic (lose fibers during use)

Painters and coatings contain plastic-based resins that degrade over time.

D. Furniture and home decor (synthetics that leave microplastics in the air and dust of house interiors)

Microplastics have been detected in several different food and drink products, which raises long-term health concerns. The list of the most contaminated foods includes:

A. Sea foods: a lot of fish and shellfish ingest microplastics from polluted waters, thus entering the human diet.

B. Table salt-some research has found microplastics contaminating sea salt due to ocean pollution.

Honey and sugar-Microplastic particles have been found in some commercial brands.

D. Fruits and vegetables—Certain crops absorb microplastics from polluted soil and water.


Microplastics are found not just in water and food but also in air. Dust in the house contains synthetic fibres shed from textiles, furniture, and electronic devices. This indicates that we are always vulnerable to microplastics, even indoors. This has been corroborated by research that indicates a single average person, with the knowledge of himself, inhales thousands of microplastic particles each day.
Threat to Environmental World

A. Microplastics developed a huge curse towards ecosystems, especially aquatic life. Entering the ocean, they get absorbed into small marine organisms and find their way onto the food chain. Then:

B. Marine Disruption: Fish and some other animals ate microplastics by mistake, and now they suffer from different diseases of malnutrition and poisoning.

C. Water contamination: This microplastic covers different lakes and rivers apart from oceans, and unfortunately, one way or another affects diversity.

D. Soil contamination: Microplastic gets into the agricultural field adversely interfering with soil quality and plant health.
A. Research is still underway, but it has become suspected that microplastics might represent potential health risks to human beings. Some of the worries include:

B. Inflammation and cellular damage—the microplastics that are taken in may trigger an inflammatory response in the body.

C. Toxic chemical exposure: As they affect the toxic chemicals in the environment, microplastics can take in these pollutants, which can then be ingested by a consumer.

D. Hormone disruption: endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA and phthalates are found in many plastics, which may inhibit hormone function.


A. There are several steps an individual can take to prevent his interaction or the contribution of more microplastics to the environment:

B. Using natural fabrics, like organic cotton, hemp, wool, and many other types of natural fabrics instead of synthetics in making clothes;

C. Using microfiber filters in washing machines that filter off the microplastics before they get into wastewater;

D. Avoiding drinking water from plastic bottles, or at least using glass or stainless steel reusable bottles;

E. Reducing packaged plastic foods by buying fresh, unpacked produce and using glass or metal containers;

F. Using eco-friendly personal care products that do not contain microbeads and synthetic polymers;

G. Moving on now to greening home cleaning, where one replaces commercial cleaning products with homemade biodegradable sponge and wooden brush, not plastic-made;

H. Evacuation in indoor spaces, reducing the effects of indoor air pollution by regular dusting, and use of air filters;

I. Eating fresh, whole foods—minimal processing and packaging translate to higher chances of microplastic contamination; and support beach and river cleanups to prevent microplastic from being washed away into waterways.


Microplastics are hazards threatening our health and environment that are almost invisible. These tiny plastic compounds permeate every aspect of daily life, from clothing to food. While completely avoiding microplastics is probably not an option, we can make a conscious effort to reduce our exposure and minimise our contribution to the influx of plastic pollution in the world.

Health-wise, making small changes such as opting for natural fabrics, significantly reducing plastic waste, and supporting sustainable products will protect our health and that of the planet for generations to come.