Recent scientific studies have shown that the leakage of microplastic particles, spread in various areas of life, may entail multiple health risks, including decreased fertility in women, as well as potential effects on the kidneys, liver, brain, and even the placenta of fetuses.
Plastic is composed of polymers, which are long chains of small chemical units known as monomers. The most famous of these polymers are polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, in addition to other materials such as plasticizers, thermal and optical stabilizers, and phthalates.
Global plastic production rose from 234 million tons in 2000 to 435 million tons in 2020, with expectations of an increase of approximately 70% by 2040.
Plastic is widely used in the manufacture of food containers, water bottles, dairy containers, detergents and packaging materials.
Toxic substances in cooking utensils
According to a study published in the journal JAMA Network, plastics are synthetic compounds that include a wide range of chemicals, with more than 13,000 compounds associated with them, including about 4,200 substances of concern, in addition to 10 groups classified as highly toxic.
Some of these substances, such as PFAS compounds found in nonstick cookware and others, can leach into the environment.
As plastic decomposes into fine particles, these particles can enter the human body through inhalation or ingestion, where they may be deposited in the lungs or transmitted through the bloodstream to various tissues and organs.
You can also be exposed to it by drinking liquids from plastic containers, such as bottled water and various drinks, or by using cosmetics and personal care products.
Delayed pregnancy
A recent January 2026 study published in Elsevier’s Hazardous Materials examined the relationship between the molecular structures of microplastics and the likelihood of decreased ovarian reserve in women, revealing a close association between exposure to these particles and decreased ovarian function.
The study indicated that continuous exposure to microplastic particles may increase the risk of decreased ovarian reserve, stressing that these results are an important reference for continuing research on the impact of these particles on women’s reproductive health in the future.
Plastic and dementia
In a study published in February 2025 in the journal Nature Medicine, the potential bioaccumulation of microplastics in the brain, liver and kidney tissue of deceased people was investigated.
The results showed that the concentrations of plastic magnetic nanoparticles in the liver and kidneys were similar between the samples, while the brain samples – especially the frontal cortex – recorded much higher levels compared to the rest of the organs.
The study concluded that there is a general trend towards increased accumulation of these particles in the brain and liver, noting that most of them consist of plastic fragments and polyethylene.
The results surprised researchers by increasing the concentrations of these particles in the brains of healthy deceased people by between 7 and 30 times compared to the liver and kidneys, in addition to monitoring higher levels in dementia patients.
The study recommended the need for continued research to understand the role of these particles in neurological disorders and potential health effects on the human brain.
Negative results on the lung and intestines
As evidence of the presence of micro- and nano-plastics within the human body increases, concerns are mounting about their potential health effects. Models from a clinical trial published in September 2025 in the journal Nature Medicine showed that these particles are able to penetrate cellular barriers in the lungs and intestines, then move into the bloodstream and reach various tissues and organs, such as the reproductive system and the placenta inside the uterus, as well as the brain.
Preliminary results indicate that these particles may be associated with negative health effects, including changes in the immune system, in addition to potential repercussions on cardiovascular health and the reproductive system.
The study recommended the need to develop accurate methods to assess levels of exposure to plastic particles, which will contribute to strengthening research on their health effects, which still need further clarification.
Global impact
Recent estimates indicate that approximately 8 to 12 million metric tons of plastic waste reaches the oceans annually, resulting in nanoparticle concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1,000 particles per liter in surface waters.
This pollution contributes to the disruption of marine food chains, with bioaccumulation of particles and additives occurring across various trophic levels, according to an extensive research review published in The Lancet in December 2025.
Humans are exposed to these particles through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact, and with their presence in drinking water, table salt, and some body fluids and tissues, the review indicates that these particles may carry potentially toxic effects, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine disorders, in addition to a defect in the functions of the mitochondria responsible for producing energy within cells.