How Microplastic Pollution Can Damage Your Health

Microplastic pollution in the oceanWhen tiny plastic particles pollute the ecosystem, can they cause harm? If so, can you do anything? At Natural Eye Care, we have mined the research on the effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on human health. Read on to find out what they are, how they affect living organisms, and how to reduce your exposure.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are pieces of plastic measuring less than 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) long. They are usually produced intentionally or generated when large synthetic polymer products, such as plastic packaging, are not properly disposed of or treated. Once formed, microplastics are often exposed to the environment, where they can decompose. Much of the exposure to microplastics starts with the dumping of these MNPs in the ocean, finding their way to fish, plankton, and the shore. Various human activities and products, such as washing, worn tires, city dust, road paint, ships, and cleaning products, have been reported as sources of microplastics. 1

Micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) are nearly impossible to eliminate once they enter the environment. These tiny particles are readily absorbed by marine and aquatic organisms, causing harmful effects such as malnutrition, inflammation, decreased fertility, and even death.

The Brain and Microplastics

A new study completed in January 2024 found dramatic increases in microplastics in recent human brain samples compared to brains from just eight years ago. Compared to results in 28 brains collected in 2016, they found that levels of micro- and nanoplastics had jumped about 50% in less than a decade.2

The results were also shocking when researchers analyzed the brains of 12 people who were diagnosed with dementia before they died. Those brains had dramatically higher amounts of plastics, more than five times the levels from 2024 on average. With more research needed, the concerns are these nanoplastics may cause atrophy of brain tissue, impaired blood-brain barrier integrity, and poor clearance mechanisms are connected to the onset of dementia.

Most of the plastics found in brain tissue were tiny nanoplastics. These plastics are far narrower than a human hair, largely from polyethylene, which is used in plastic bags, packaged food, and bottled drinks. They are also found in the microbeads used in health and beauty products.

Microplastics were found in every human testicle scientists sampled, including in the liver, blood, and placenta. Microplastics can be found everywhere in the ocean, from the surface to the deep sea and even in the Arctic. They can cause internal injuries, inflammation, and stress in marine organisms, which can make them more susceptible to disease. They can also disrupt the reproduction and development of aquatic organisms. The world’s 3 seafloor contains over 14 million tons of microplastics.

Microplastic Toxicity

Toxicity due to excessive exposure to MNPs includes cell membrane disruption, cell pore hindrance, DNA damage, and lysosome destabilization. Research also shows that MNP toxicity increases ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) production, which are potent free radicals that can damage healthy cells. It can cause mitochondrial depolarization, which is related to many diseases such as autoimmune, eye, and brain conditions. 4 Polystyrene microplastics cause inflammation in the intestine, lungs, and brain. 5 6 7 8 These particles can also cause genotoxicity and excess ROS production-related DNA damage in some cells. 9

How You Are Exposed to Microplastics

Dietary Exposure

MNPs are found in food, drinking water, and plastic food packaging.10 Wildlife species also ingest MNPs, entering the food chain and our diets,16,17 posing a significant threat to food safety. 11 12 It is also found in different types of seafood. 13 14

MNPs have also been found in table salt, 15 as well as in zooplanktonic organisms, 16 17 which is another way it may be entering our foods.

Microplastics in the circulatory system can enter secondary organs, where they might accumulate to a level that could result in adverse effects at the cellular level. MNPs can enter the body through the gastrointestinal tract when microplastics are ingested orally, leading to various gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. 18

Air Exposure

MNPs in our diet can be deposited into the air, mainly indoors. 19 Airborne MNPs are synthetic textiles, construction materials, road-wear particles, abrasions of plastic materials, landfills, sewage sludge, and waste incineration. 20 21

When MNPs are ingested, a significant portion of them is passed through the digestive tract and excreted. 22 But MNPs that are not eliminated can enter our organ systems.

Effects of Microplastics on the Body

Cardiovascular System

MNPs may also cause adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, with recent studies showing MNPs in multiple human heart tissues and blood, 23 also showing accumulation in the myocardial cells. 24 Studies indicate that MNPs could affect the heart rate, 25 induce oxidative stress, which can lead to cardiomyocyte apoptosis (cell death) and cardiac fibrosis (shown in animal studies). 26

Dermal System

Evidence suggests that MNPs can pass through the skin barrier.27 Atmospheric fallout of synthetic fibers and microbeads in personal care products are the major sources of dermal exposure to MNPs. 28 29

Respiratory System

Inhalation is one of the main routes of human exposure to MNPs. Most inhaled impurities are eliminated via phagocytosis or lymphatic transport.30 Some thin fibers, if they are not eliminated, can be deposited in tissues in the body, including the alveoli ducts. They can be found in terminal bronchioles in the lungs, which can lead to chronic inflammation and fibrosis. 31 32

Recent research has detected micro and nanoplastics in human lung tissue.33 Studies reveal that microfibers can lead to cell damage, inflammation, and apoptosis.34 Additionally, exposure to MNPs may cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and shortness of breath due to inflammation and tissue damage.35 Other effects include fatigue and dizziness, which can result from reduced blood oxygen levels.36

Gastrointestinal System

Research shows that micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) can accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract,37 38 promoting the growth of harmful microbes and disrupting the balance of the gut microbiome. This disruption affects microbial composition, diversity, and metabolic pathways, which can impair nutrient metabolism and compromise gut homeostasis.39 The resulting imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria may lead to gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.40 Furthermore, MNPs contribute to oxidative stress in the epithelial cells of the colon and small intestine.41

Renal System

Impairment of kidney function can result in the accumulation of toxins and impurities in the bloodstream, which can adversely affect overall health. One study showed significant changes in kidney cells, causing damage to cellular microstructures, with an increase in expression of JNK1/2/3 and TNF-α, key players in inflammatory signaling pathways.42 They are closely involved in the body’s response to stress, injury, and infection. The effect was an increase in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), stress, inflammatory markers, and signaling pathways.

Nervous System

The human central nervous system is particularly vulnerable to environmental pollutants, especially during embryonic development.43 Exposure to micro- and nanoplastics can trigger oxidative stress,44 leading to cellular damage and heightening the risk of developing neuronal disorders. This exposure can affect the central nervous system by influencing acetylcholine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and glutamate. 45 These substances are all essential for cell-to-cell communication in the brain and throughout the nervous system.

Exposure can result in impaired AChE activity, which can lead to excessive accumulation of acetylcholine, potentially triggering neurological disorders. 46

Endocrine System

MNPs can interfere with the production, release, transport, metabolism, and elimination of hormones, which can cause endocrine disruption and lead to various endocrine disorders. These effects can include developmental disorders, metabolic disorders, and even reproductive disorders (i.e., miscarriage, infertility, and congenital malformations). MNPs can promote the absorption of toxins such as bisphenol A, which can cause various diseases of the endocrine system and reproductive system. 47 It is also found in aluminum cans.

What You Can Do

Stopping Microplastic Pollution

Globally, general solutions to the problem of microplastics include:

  • direct regulations, such as banning the use of microplastics in some emission sources
  • indirect regulations, such as restricting the production and utilization of single-use or disposable plastics.
  • encourage the collection and recycling of plastics
  • stop ocean dumping

Countries are also introducing legislation to ban the use of MNPs in cleaning products, air fresheners, paints and coatings, cosmetic products, adhesives, synthetic detergents, and fertilizers that have MNPs added.

As a consumer, you can choose to buy less plastic. If you do, you will have less plastic to dispose of. Single-use plastics are especially egregious. Use your own durable bags to bring goods home. Do you really need plastic disposable straws, flossers, disposable wipes, and individually wrapped snacks? Look through your cupboards and closets for wasteful plastic habits. Opt for toys made from natural products, and buy used, clean plastic toys from secondhand stores and Facebook Marketplace. Don’t buy any more health and beauty products containing microbeads. Check your cleaning and air-freshening products for microplastics. Use non-toxic cleaning products to protect waterways.

Reducing Your Microplastic Exposure

A few tips to reduce your exposure to microplastics:

  • Avoid plastic-packaged foods when possible.
  • Avoid canned foods with plastic linings.
  • Do not microwave foods in plastics. Use glass or ceramic containers and plates instead.
  • Avoid bottled water (pre-packaged water in plastic bottles). Prepare a portable drink before heading out.
  • Drink water from glass or steel bottles instead of plastic bottles.
  • Limit fatty foods such as meats and fatty fish as these absorb and contain higher amounts of chemicals. The higher up the food chain, the more toxins accumulate.
  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are lower on the food chain and crucial for good health. Buy organic produce as much as possible.

Take saunas and exercise to promote detoxification.

Nutrients that help detox the body include: glutathione, schisandra, red clover, burdock dandelion, nettle, milk thistle, yellow dock, ginger.

Eating for Health

The most effective way to obtain essential vitamins and minerals is by maintaining a well-balanced diet. This should include a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean protein sources, complemented by healthy fats like nuts and olive oil. Learn more about our Vision Diet.

Suggested Supplements

Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula (whole food) 60 vcaps

Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Retinal Support and Computer Eye Strain Formula with Astaxanthin 90 vcaps

Dr. Grossman’s Advanced Eye and Dr. G’s Whole Food Superfood Multi1 20 Vcap Combo – 2 months supply

ACG Glutathione EXTRA STRENGTH Spray 2oz.

Ultimate Body Detox Extra Strength 4oz Bottles


Visual Detox Homeopathic Drops 2oz

ReVision Formula (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 oz 

Dr. Grossman’s Vitamin C Plant-Based Formula – 60 caps

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