March 13, 2025. Microplastics—tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in diameter—have become a pervasive pollutant in our global ecosystem. These particles infiltrate our oceans, rivers, air, and even the food we eat, posing serious risks to human health and the environment.
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Understanding microplastics
Microplastics fall into two main categories: primary and secondary microplastics, with an emerging third category—nanoplastics—raising even greater concerns.
Primary microplastics
These are tiny plastic particles intentionally manufactured for commercial use. They include:
- Microbeads: Found in exfoliating personal care products and some industrial applications.
- Microfibers: Shed from synthetic textiles during washing and wear, as well as other consumer products.
We’ll dive deeper into microbeads and microfibers in the next section.
Secondary microplastics
These result from the breakdown of larger plastic debris, such as single-use bottles, bags, and discarded fishing nets. Exposure to sunlight, wind, waves, and other environmental forces causes these plastics to degrade into smaller fragments over time.
In marine environments, these fragments comprise an estimated 22% of microplastics identified by researchers.
Both primary and secondary microplastics now contaminate land and sea, fueling a planet-wide pollution crisis.
The rise of nanoplastics
As plastic continues to degrade, it forms nanoplastics, an even smaller subset of microplastics—typically less than 1 micrometer in size. These particles can:
- Penetrate deep into biological tissues and cells, entering the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption.
- Bypass biological barriers, accumulating in organs and potentially disrupting cellular function.
- Interact with pollutants at a molecular level, leading to complex and poorly understood ecological consequences.
With their ability to infiltrate ecosystems and living organisms in ways we are only beginning to understand, nanoplastics may represent the most insidious form of plastic pollution yet.
A closer look at microbeads and microfibers
These tiny pollutants are creating serious risks to public health and the environment.
Microbeads
About 50 years ago, cosmetics manufacturers began replacing natural exfoliants with microbeads—tiny plastic particles used in products like toothpaste, body scrubs, and face wash. While they provided effective exfoliation, their environmental impact was devastating. Because of their microscopic size, microbeads easily slipped through wastewater treatment systems, polluting waterways where fish and marine life often mistook them for food.
Recognizing the danger, the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015, signed by President Obama, initiated a ban on microbeads in personal care products, with full enforcement by July 2018. However, microbeads still persist in some regions, and consumers can identify them in products by checking for ingredients like polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polymethyl methacrylate, polylactic acid, or nylon on labels.
Microfibers
Unlike microbeads, microfibers are not intentionally manufactured—they are microscopic fibers shed from synthetic textiles like polyester and nylon, especially during washing.
With synthetic fibers now making up 64% of the global textile market, microfiber contamination is an escalating crisis. Microfibers also originate from clothing, home textiles, personal care products, fishing nets, rope, and cigarette filters. Over time, this has led to staggering levels of pollution.
Here are some troubling microplastics statistics that highlight the dangers of microfibers:
- A single 13-pound load of synthetic fabric laundry can release up to 18 million microfibers into wastewater, contributing to widespread environmental pollution.
- One study estimated that 5.6 million metric tons of synthetic microfibers were released from apparel washing between 1950 and 2016, with half of that pollution occurring in just the last decade.
- Cigarette butts release an estimated 300,000 metric tons of microfibers into the environment each year.
- These fibers contain over 4,000 toxic chemicals, including tar, arsenic, lead, and heavy metals.
Despite growing awareness, efforts to reduce microfiber pollution remain sluggish. A recent California bill proposed that all new residential washing machines be required to include microfiber filters by 2029, but Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed it, citing consumer cost concerns. This setback underscores the urgent need for stronger waste management policies, global regulations, and sustainable textile innovations to curb microfiber contamination before it worsens.
Why are microplastics everywhere?
As microplastics shed from everyday products, they continue to accumulate in the air, water, and soil, increasing risks to wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. Scientists have detected microplastics in every marine habitat ever studied, highlighting their widespread presence and persistent nature.
Here are the primary sources of microplastics:
Plastic water bottles
- 85% of single-use plastic bottles end up as plastic waste and take 1,000 years to degrade.
- Bottled water contains twice as many microplastic particles as filtered tap water.
- 93% of bottled water samples tested show microplastic contamination.
Synthetic textiles
- Modern clothing is increasingly made from polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fibers, which shed microplastics during wear and washing.
- Synthetic textiles contribute 34.8% of global microplastic pollution.
Tires
- Today’s tires are mostly made of synthetic rubber, which wears down as vehicles drive, releasing microplastic particles into the air.
- Tire wear accounts for 28.3% of global microplastic pollution.
- These particles contain toxic chemicals that can reduce fish hatchling survival rates and cause embryo deformities.
Paint
- Flaking paint and sandblasting generate significant microplastic pollution in aquatic environments.
- Paint particles may be the largest microplastic source in oceans, lakes, and rivers, adding up to 2.9 million metric tons of plastic waste annually.
Plastic pellets (nurdles)
- These small plastic beads are the building blocks of plastic manufacturing, but millions are spilled into waterways near production sites every year.
- Contamination also occurs during transport, storage, and industrial processing, allowing nurdles to spread worldwide.
Plastic bags and agricultural mulch films
- Thin, flexible plastics, such as those used in plastic grocery bags, gradually break down into microfilms, a type of microplastic.
- Plastic mulching, a common farming practice, contributes to significant soil contamination.
Also, plastics are often infused with chemical additives such as pigments, fillers, plasticizers, antimicrobials, heat and UV stabilizers, and flame retardants. These can also enhance plastic’s flexibility, durability, and resistance to environmental factors, contributing to the enduring and pervasive challenges of plastic pollution.
How microplastics enter the food supply
In addition to prevalence in our air and drinking water, microplastics statistics reveal the presence of these particles in many of the foods we eat.
1. Seafood
Microplastics have infiltrated marine food chains, affecting everything from tiny plankton and larvae to large fish. When plastic debris breaks down and is ingested by small marine organisms, it ultimately reaches the dinner table.
Since the U.S. imports 90% of its seafood, often from regions with significant waste leakage, consumers are at increased risk of exposure.
Because fish farmed in fisheries and aquaculture environments typically have shorter lifespans, and live in more controlled conditions, it’s possible they have a lower risk of microplastic exposure. However, researchers are still investigating whether farmed seafood contains lower amounts of microplastic contamination than wild-caught fish.
2. Meat and dairy
Beyond seafood, microplastics also infiltrate our diet through land-based food sources. A 2022 study found microplastics in 75% of meat and milk products tested.
When plastic waste breaks down in soil and water sources, it mixes with animal feed crops, which livestock then consume. Additionally, grazing on polluted pastures and drinking contaminated water also introduce microplastics into their bodies. Over time, these particles accumulate, eventually ending up in the meat and dairy products that humans consume.
3. Fruits and vegetables
Studies have found significant microplastic contamination in apples, tomatoes, and carrots. Microplastics infiltrate plant-based foods primarily through contaminated soil and water, as the plants absorb microplastics through their roots.
Where microplastics are found in the human body
Microplastics statistics reveal these particles are present in nearly every part of the human body.
Key findings include:
- Blood: Research has found microplastics in 77% of blood samples tested, indicating their ability to circulate throughout the body.
- Placentas and breast milk: A 2022 study found microplastics in 75% of breast milk samples. Additionally, microplastics have been detected in human placentas and even newborns’ first stools.
- Organs and tissues: Scientists have discovered microplastics in human lungs, livers, and kidneys. A 2024 study even found them in human testicles, with concerns about their effects on fertility.
- Brain: Alarmingly, emerging research suggests that microplastics may cross the blood-brain barrier, with potential links to neurodegenerative diseases like dementia.
This evidence indicates that humans are ingesting microplastics throughout their lives and even before birth, posing a significant threat to global health.
How microplastics impact human health
Adults consume up to 121,000 microplastic particles per year from air, food, and drinks. While humans can eliminate over 90% of ingested microplastics, once ingested or inhaled they can cause inflammation, disrupt hormones, and introduce toxic chemicals and pathogens into the body.
Key health impacts include:
- Cardiovascular diseases: A 2024 study found that patients with microplastics in their arterial plaque were 4.5 times more likely to experience heart attack, stroke, or death.
- Digestive issues: People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have higher concentrations of microplastics in their feces, suggesting a link between ingestion and gut health issues.
- Respiratory diseases: Microplastics can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired lung function, raising concerns about long-term respiratory diseases and potential organ translocation.
- Endocrine disruption: Many plastics contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals that interfere with hormones, potentially leading to metabolic disorders, reproductive issues, and developmental problems in children.
- Cancer risk: Some microplastics contain carcinogenic additives and absorb toxic pollutants from the environment, potentially increasing cancer risks over time.
- Risks from chemical additives: For example, Bisphenol A (BPA) has been linked to hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.
- Exposure to bacteria and pathogens: Microplastics can also serve as carriers for bacteria and pathogens, potentially contributing to the spread of disease when ingested.
Although the full extent of their impact is still being studied, the presence of microplastics in the human body underscores the urgent need for further research and effective measures to reduce plastic pollution.
The environmental impact of microplastics
While researchers are working to fully understand the impact of microplastics on the environment, here are some key statistics and information that underscore the importance of mitigating plastic pollution.
- Over 1,300 marine species have been documented ingesting plastic debris.
- A global review of studies found that 60% of fish contained microplastics, with carnivorous species accumulating more than omnivores (predominantly microfibers).
- Blue whales, the largest marine animals, ingest up to 10 million microplastic particles daily. Microplastics affect not only aquatic life but also birds and mammals.
- The ingestion of microplastics has been linked to serious health consequences in wildlife, including reduced food intake, stunted growth, behavioral changes, lower reproductive success, reduced energy levels, altered gene expression, and cellular/DNA damage.
5 latest microplastics statistics
Recent news has revealed the following microplastics statistics.
1. Bottled water contains as much as twice as many microplastic particles as tap water (source)
As we’ve mentioned, researchers found microplastic contamination in 93% of water bottles. This was from a study which sampled more than 250 bottled water products sold in nine countries.
The bottled water industry isn’t stringently regulated—at least not as much as our municipal tap systems. This means that even water marketed as “pure” can still be full of contaminants. However, tap water still has significant levels of microplastics, so filtering tap water, such as with a Bevi office water cooler and dispenser, is a safer alternative.
2. Microplastics hinder photosynthesis, threatening 400 million people with starvation (source)
Microplastics are cutting food supplies by disrupting photosynthesis, reducing staple crop yields by up to 14% and marine algae growth by 7%.
Asia is hardest hit, losing up to 177 million tons of wheat, rice, and maize yearly. The U.S. and Europe are also seeing declines.
In the oceans, microplastics are shrinking fish and seafood stocks by up to 24 million metric tons annually—enough protein to feed tens of millions. Without intervention, microplastics could worsen global food insecurity in the coming decades.
3. Ditching bottled water can decrease microplastic intake by 90% (source)
Switching to filtered tap water can dramatically reduce your exposure, cutting annual microplastic consumption from 90,000 to 4,000 particles. A simple change with a big impact.
4. The Great Lakes have the among the highest reported levels of microplastics worldwide (source)
Microplastics have been discovered in sources of drinking water and in fish collected from the Great Lakes and their watersheds.
In the fish, levels are among the highest reported worldwide, suggesting human exposure to microplastics through Great Lakes resources and making swimming in them hazardous.
5. Alarming levels of microplastics in the brain could be increasing dementia risk (source)
Studies reveal that microplastics accumulate in the human brain, with dementia patients showing up to five times higher levels. Brain tissues also hold seven to 30 times more microplastics than other organs, mirroring the surge in environmental pollution.
Particles under 200 nanometers, primarily polyethylene, can penetrate cerebrovascular walls and immune cells, potentially crossing the blood-brain barrier. As research continues, the link between microplastics and cognitive decline raises serious health concerns.
What’s being done to combat microplastics?
Governments and organizations worldwide are taking action:
- Legislation: The EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan aims to cut microplastic pollution by 30% by 2030. Canada has banned certain single-use plastics, while the U.S. passed the Microbead-Free Waters Act in 2015.
- Lawsuits: New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a landmark lawsuit against PepsiCo, claiming the company endangers the environment and public health with plastic pollution.
- Corporate responsibility: Companies like Bevi provide sustainable alternatives, such as filtered water systems that reduce microplastics exposure at the point of use.
- Scientific innovation: Researchers are exploring biodegradable plastics and improved filtration technologies to reduce environmental contamination.
How to reduce your microplastics exposure
The easiest way to reduce your microplastic exposure is to avoid buying bottled water when possible. Not only are there approximately twice as many microplastic particles in bottled water than tap water, but also the vast majority of plastic bottles end up as waste in a landfill or as marine plastic.
Consider switching to a reusable bottle that you can fill up numerous times throughout the day. Bevi water machines can help your office, workplace, or retail space make the switch by offering filtered, flavored, and unflavored water at the tap of a button.
Other ways to reduce your intake of microplastics include:
- Drinking filtered tap water instead of bottled water.
- Using reusable bottles and sustainable packaging to reduce plastic waste.
- Cutting back on alcohol and seafood.
- Stopping heating and storing food in plastic containers—use glass instead.
- Avoiding single-use plastics for food storage.
- Limiting canned food consumption.
- Avoiding highly processed foods and plastic-containing tea bags.
- Opting for a wood or bamboo cutting board instead of a plastic cutting board that can introduce microplastics to your food.
- Supporting legislation to regulate plastic production and improve waste management.
Microplastics Statistics – FAQs
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about microplastics.
What percent of people have microplastics in their body?
Recently, scientists discovered microplastics in human blood: About 77% of the people who were tested were found to have microplastics in their bloodstream.
How much microplastic do we ingest?
We ingest enough microplastics to make a credit card each week, although this may vary by region and diet.
Are microplastics a threat to children?
One study found that there were more microplastics in the feces of babies than adults. The tiniest pieces can cross cell membranes and enter the circulation. In cells and laboratory animals, microplastic exposure can cause cell death, inflammation and metabolic disorders.
How many people have died from microplastics?
While research into the health effects of microplastics is too new to determine the number of deaths that can be attributed to this form of plastic waste, research shows 400,000 to 1 million people die annually from plastic pollution. This includes chemical exposure to waterborne diseases and fumes from burning plastic.
Are microplastics in tap water?
Microplastics have been found in 83% of tap water worldwide. In the U.S., 94.4% of tap water samples revealed the presence of plastic fibers, the highest rate in the world. U.S. samples had an average of 4.8 microfibers per 500 ml.
Here is the percentage of tap water samples containing plastic fibers in other countries and regions:
- Lebanon: 93.8% (4.5 fibers per 500 ml)
- India: 82.4% (4.0 fibers per 500 ml)
- Uganda: 80.8% (2.2 fibers per 500 ml)
- Ecuador: 79.2% (2.2 fibers per 500 ml)
- Indonesia: 76.2% (1.9 fibers per 500 ml)
- Europe: 72.2 (1.9 fibers per 500 ml)
An effective water filter can help reduce exposure to microplastics in tap water.
Are most water filtration systems effective at removing microplastics?
Current water filtration systems vary in their effectiveness at removing microplastics. While some advanced filtration technologies can significantly reduce the presence of these tiny particles, others may not be as efficient.
Advanced technologies like reverse osmosis (RO) and ceramic filters are among the most effective. RO systems can filter out particles as small as 0.0001 microns. Ceramic filters, with pore sizes around 0.2 microns, also perform well in capturing microplastics, bacteria, and other contaminants. However, less advanced methods may only filter out the largest microplastics.
At Bevi, we believe you should trust that your water is good for you—so we put the work into figuring out a state-of-the-art filtration system. It is equipped to use a 3M carbon filter that is certified to remove 99.99% of microplastics from tap water, along with 99.9% of bacteria, chlorine, cysts, and other sediment.
How much plastic waste do Bevi machines save?
Bevi customers have saved over 500 million bottles to-date. When you use a Bevi machine, you’re saving more than a plastic bottle—you’re shutting off the oil needed to create it and keeping the air free from emissions that come from shipping it.
On average, a Bevi bottleless water cooler and bottle filling station saves thousands and thousands of bottles and cans annually. A real-time counter on your machine shows the single-use plastic bottles, cans, and CO2 emissions your team is helping to eliminate. Learn more about our mission to reduce plastic waste here.
How can Bevi machines be integrated into different business environments?
No matter your business environment, Bevi delivers. Whether you need a business water dispenser and cooler, water cooler for retail stores, hotel water dispenser, gym water dispenser, airport water dispenser, cafeteria water cooler, warehouse water cooler and dispenser, hospital water dispenser, car dealership water dispenser, or a water cooler rental for a special event, Bevi’s sleek designs fit seamlessly into any space. From compact countertop models to premium freestanding units, there’s a hydration solution for every business layout.
The bottom line: Reducing microplastics starts with us
Microplastics have infiltrated every corner of our environment—from the water we drink to the food we eat and even the air we breathe. Their presence in the human body raises alarming health concerns, while their impact on ecosystems threatens biodiversity and food security.
While governments and industries must play a role in addressing plastic pollution, individual choices matter too. Simple steps like switching to filtered tap water, reducing single-use plastics, and supporting sustainable brands can significantly cut microplastic exposure and waste.
How Bevi fights against microplastics
At Bevi, we’re on a mission to reduce plastic waste and microplastic exposure by delivering clean, great-tasting water—without the need for single-use bottles or cans. Every refill from our smart, sustainable office water coolers helps create a healthier planet and a future with less plastic pollution.
Our advanced filtration technology ensures the purest drinking water for offices, businesses, gyms, hotels, conventions, and other commercial spaces.
With industry-leading filtration, Bevi:
- Removes 99.99% of microplastics and 99.9% of impurities like bacteria and chlorine.
- Filters down to 0.2 microns, surpassing traditional consumer filters.
Join us in making a difference. Small changes—like refilling instead of replacing—can lead to a cleaner, safer tomorrow.
>> Learn more about Bevi’s mission.
Read more on Bevi’s blog.
Ruby Sutton
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