Microplastics are impossible to avoid in the modern world. They are in the food we eat, the clothes we wear and the air we breathe. Unfortunately, science is just beginning to understand the damage these tiny, plastic fragments can do to the human body. Dr. Rebecca Florsheim, a research physician specializing in internal and preventive medicine, is currently focused on studying how micro and nano-plastics affect our health. We asked her to help us understand the dangers and what safer alternatives exist to help limit our exposure to these all-too-common risks of modern living.
1. What are micro- and nano- plastics and where do they come from?
Microplastics are plastic particles of any polymer composition ranging from 0.1 μm to 5 mm in size. Nanoplastics are a subfraction of this group that measure between 0.1 μm and 1 μm. For perspective, at least 100,000 nanoplastics can fit across a human hair. Though plastic is marketed as disposable, it is important to understand that when it is discarded it does not get destroyed. Instead, it breaks down into smaller and smaller particles. "The majority of microplastics and nano-plastics are a result of the breakdown of larger plastics by weathering, UV radiation, friction, etc.,” Dr. Florsheim explained. These plastics, formed through physical, chemical or biodegradation, are known as secondary microplastics.
However, there are also primary microplastics which are engineered to be their respective sizes. “For example, primary microplastic beads (called microbeads) used to be a popular additive in cosmetics, particularly in face and body scrubs, but these have been banned at the federal level for rinse-off cosmetics since 2017,” she continued.
2. How do microplastics get into the air we breathe?
According to Dr. Florsheim, the sources of microplastics in the air are too diverse to name. “Most people find it surprising that a significant source of micro- and nano- plastic air pollution is our clothing which is now mostly synthetic,” she said. When we launder our clothes, tiny plastic fibers are released into the air we breathe by dryer ventilation.
Indoor environments may have higher concentrations due to textiles, upholstery and limited ventilation, but we can also inhale microplastics outdoors. Recently, another major source of microplastic pollution that has increased significantly is wildfire smoke. This smoke contains a plethora of synthetic material because of the burned homes, cars and other textiles that fuel the fire and release toxins into the air. In urban environments, the breakdown of synthetic rubber now used for tires or the exposure to construction dust is more prevalent and particularly dangerous.
Additionally, when any kind of container breaks down, tiny pieces of it can get into the air. These pieces can carry parts of whatever was inside the container. In this way, tiny bits of plastic in the air can create more air pollution. “They can also stick to things already in the air—like germs, pesticides, heavy metals, pollen, and other chemicals—and carry them into the human body,” Dr. Florsheim commented.
3. Can you inhale microplastics? Have they been found in lung tissue?
Though there are many ways microplastics can enter the human body, inhalation is one of the primary ways we are exposed. “There are multiple studies documenting that we breathe in plastics in much larger amounts than what we would expect based on previous toxicology studies of airborne particles, which is concerning,” said Dr. Florsheim. Research has found that microplastics can penetrate deep in the lungs, reaching the alveoli and possibly affecting gas exchange.
“Both particles and fibers have been recovered from research samples, and their presence has been correlated with reduced lung function and the increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cells.” This is concerning because it suggests there may be long-term health consequences, such as the development of chronic lung disease and the possibility of the microplastic particles impacting other organs because they first came into the body through the lungs, went into the bloodstream and were carried throughout the body.
4. What research is being done on microplastics and lung disease?
Over the last few years, a tremendous amount of research has been published on the effects of microplastics on the lung, and even more in-depth research is currently being done. Popular models focus on workers, in occupations such as construction, manufacturing, and textiles, who may have been exposed to higher levels of microplastics on the job because they are at higher risk of developing lung problems. Studies using animal and cell models help us to gain insight into how these particles can harm the body. Observational studies can show how often these particles are found in human samples and how they can affect how the body works. “My sense is that the focus of future research will be on healthcare-associated exposures and how we can reduce them,” Dr. Florsheim commented.
5. How can I reduce my exposure to airborne microplastics?
Because microplastics are everywhere, it is almost impossible to avoid them completely. However, reducing exposure and replacing with safer alternatives is the first step toward protecting your health from these pollutants. This includes avoiding burning plastics, especially indoors, which means avoiding nonstick and plastic cookware. Avoid reheating or washing plastic containers in a dishwasher as wear and tear is what breaks the plastic down into dangerous particles. Replace plastic wrap with aluminum foil and try to buy food and drinks in glass jars instead of plastic. Dr. Florsheim further suggests, "Removing or avoiding any and all synthetic fabrics in the home as well as avoiding tobacco smoke to reduce exposure.”
Increasing ventilation and using air cleaners is the next step in reducing microplastics in the air. “Use HEPA filtration via air purifiers and vacuums, wet mop and dusting regularly, being careful because dry dusting can re-introduce pollutants into the air instead of trapping them,” Dr. Florsheim says.
Though there are beginning to be alternatives, like biodegradable plastics, on the market, Dr. Florsheim suggests caution. “The laboratory methods to study micro- and nanoparticles and their health effects are still evolving, so any conclusions about the safety of plastic alternatives should also be approached cautiously.”
Blog last updated: March 26, 2026
