In today’s world, plastic products are ubiquitous, permeating nearly every aspect of modern life. However, research highlighting a concerning link between these plastics and human health. Studies indicate that microplastic particles can cause DNA damage and may significantly increase the risk of various cancers
Microplastics and nanoplastics are tiny particles that form as plastic materials degrade. Microplastics are defined as having a diameter of less than 5 millimeters, while nanoplastics, formed through the further breakdown of microplastics, measure less than 1 micron. These particles can
enter the human body through multiple pathways: ingestion, inhalation, and even skin absorption. Once inside, they can accumulate in the bloodstream, gastrointestinal tract, and organs such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, and even the brain.
Plastic particles retained in the body may trigger biological effects, including oxidative stress, increased secretion of cytokines, cell damage, inflammation, immune responses, DNA damage, and neurotoxicity—all of which are linked to a higher risk of cancer, Ooi Hean, deputy director of the International Center at China Medical University Hospital, stated in an interview with The Epoch Times.
Story continues below advertisement
Ooi added that the potential chemical toxicity of microplastics should not be overlooked.
A
2025 review emphasizes that, while microplastics themselves are not inherently carcinogenic, their chemical properties allow them to act as carriers for a variety of toxic substances. These substances include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, and plasticizers.
The accumulation and release of these hazardous substances in the body may disrupt normal cellular functions, leading to genetic mutations, abnormal cell proliferation, and immune system dysfunction. This combination of factors creates an environment conducive to tumorigenesis, the process of tumor formation.
Cancer Risks Associated with Microplastic Exposure
Leukemia and Lymphoma
Bone marrow is the foundation of the hematopoietic system, responsible for producing essential blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.Research
indicates that once microplastics enter the bone marrow, they may disrupt normal blood cell production, leading to abnormal proliferation and differentiation. This, in turn, increases the risk of hematologic malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma.
Story continues below advertisement
Additionally, microplastics can circulate throughout the body via the bloodstream, interacting with various tissues and organs. This may further contribute to the development and progression of tumors in diverse locations.
Prostate Tumors
A
2024 study published in eBioMedicine identified microplastics in both tumor tissues and para-tumor tissues (the surrounding non-cancerous tissues) of prostate cancer patients. The study identified microplastics included polyamide (nylon), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in both types of tissues, while polystyrene (commonly used in foam plastics) was found exclusively in tumor tissues.
The researchers also found a positive correlation between polystyrene levels in prostate tumor samples and the frequency of takeout food consumption, suggesting a potential dietary source of this specific microplastic.
While microplastics were detected in tumor samples, this does not confirm a direct causal relationship,
Tzung-Hai Yen, director of the Clinical Poison Center at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, said in an interview with The Epoch Times. “Tumor development is influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, heredity, family history, individual constitution, as well as diet, environment, and occupation.”
Despite the uncertain direct role of microplastics in tumor formation, Yen warned that plastic exposure presents other potential health risks.
Story continues below advertisement
“When plastic products are discarded, they eventually become waste, flowing into rivers and reaching the ocean. There, they can interact with various substances, such as heavy metals like zinc and cadmium, as well as endocrine-disrupting chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These pollutants may then be ingested by marine organisms, entering the food chain and ultimately making their way back to our tables,” he said.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are exogenous substances that interfere with hormone function and have been linked to reproductive disorders, cognitive impairments, obesity, and an increased risk of cancer.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, surpassed only by lung cancer. A
2023 study published in Cancers (Basel) examined several potential mechanisms by which microplastics may contribute to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
One mechanism involves the disruption of the intestinal mucus layer, which serves as a protective barrier for intestinal cells. When this layer is weakened or damaged, gut bacteria and toxins can directly interact with intestinal cells, triggering inflammation and increasing the risk of carcinogenesis (the formation of cancer).
Due to their chemical properties, microplastics can also act as carriers for harmful substances, including carcinogens, toxic metals, and pathogenic microorganisms. These substances may be absorbed by intestinal cells, leading to DNA mutations or hormonal imbalances that promote cancer cell proliferation.
Story continues below advertisement
Additionally, microplastics may serve as vectors for bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains carrying the pks+ gene, which is significant because these bacteria can produce genotoxins. Genotoxins can damage DNA, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer.
Lung Cancer
The lifecycle of plastics, from production to disposal, releases microplastics and nanoplastics into the environment, including the air.Research has shown that occupational exposure to plastic materials—particularly in industries involving plastic manufacturing, processing, or recycling—may increase the risk of lung tumors and interstitial lung disease.
A
review of 3,000 studies suggested that tire wear during driving and plastic waste degradation contribute airborne plastic particles to air pollution. These airborne plastic particles may trigger chronic lung inflammation, increasing the risk of lung cancer.
Microplastic Exposure Begins in Infancy
Exposure to microplastics begins very early in life. Microplastic pollution is widespread in drinking water, air, food packaging, and household products.
Research indicates that infants ingest microplastics from plastic infant feeding bottles at levels 2,600 times higher than the total amount adults consume from water, food, and air.
A
2020 study published in Nature Food found that polypropylene (PP) infant feeding bottles, which are very commonly used in preparation of baby formula, can release up to 16.2 million microplastic particles per liter of liquid when preparing infant formula. The release is further amplified during sterilization and exposure to high-temperature water.
Story continues below advertisement
Ooi recommends using glass or silicone feeding bottles instead of plastic ones and advises against storing hot milk in plastic containers, as heat can accelerate the release of harmful chemicals. He also emphasizes choosing food-grade silicone to minimize exposure to low-quality materials.
Plastic Particles Common in Bottled Water
In addition to infant feeding bottles, bottled water has also been found to contain a significant amount of plastic particles.A
2024 study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), a peer-reviewed journal, analyzed microplastics and nanoplastics in three popular bottled water brands. This study developed a hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) imaging technique for precise nanoplastic detection at the single-particle level. Analysis of bottled water revealed ~2.4 × 10⁵ plastic particles per liter, with 90% being nanoplastics—far exceeding previous estimates. The method enables high-speed detection of particles as small as 100 nm and provides detailed profiling of plastic composition and morphology, highlighting the complexity of nanoplastic pollution.
The study identified seven types of plastic particles in bottled water, including PET, commonly used in water bottle manufacturing, and nylon, which is used in filtration and water purification. Other detected plastics, such as PVC, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and polystyrene (PS), are also used in water treatment.
When purchasing food and beverages, Ooi recommends choosing paper packaging, glass bottles, or metal cans to minimize plastic exposure. According to Ooi:
- Glass is chemically stable and does not release microplastics.
- Stainless steel is heat-resistant and safe, but should not be used for prolonged storage of acidic beverages to prevent metal leaching.
- Ceramic is suitable for hot food and drinks, but make sure it has a lead-free glaze.
Microplastic Contamination in Tea
Tea bags release plastic particles when steeped.
Story continues below advertisement
A
2024 study published in Chemosphere assessed the extent of plastic contamination in commonly used tea bags. The researchers analyzed three types of commercially available and common tea bags made from nylon-6, polypropylene, and cellulose. The results showed that all three released substantial amounts of microplastics and nanoplastics into the water, which can enter the bloodstream when consumed.
Nanoparticle tracking analysis revealed that, per milliliter of brewed tea:
- Polypropylene tea bags released about 1.2 billion nanoparticles
- Cellulose tea bags released about 135 million
- Nylon-6 tea bags released about 8.18 million.
Opting for loose-leaf tea or unbleached paper tea bags can help reduce microplastic exposure, Ooi said.
Yen suggests incorporating reusable materials into daily life, such as cloth shopping bags and wooden, glass, ceramic, or bamboo utensils.
“This is also an effective way to reduce the amount of microplastics entering our food chain.”
Copy
