Microplastics & Health
Microplastics are everywhere. In our water, food, air and our bodies. Emerging science links these tiny particles to serious health risks.
WPSR is working to educate the public, policymakers, and push for the protections we need.
THE HEALTH RISKS
Microplastics have been found in the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, and placental tissue.
A landmark 2025 study found microplastics in arterial plaques — and those with detectable levels had a 4.5× higher risk of heart attack or stroke within three years.
The chemical additives in plastics interfere with hormone function and are linked to increased risk of cancer, diabetes, obesity, and neurological harm in developing children.
Learn more about the health risks
Learn more about the health risks
Resources
Microplastics One-Pager
Item #3
POLICY PRIORITIES
Plastic production must be regulated as a fossil fuel. as a fossil fuel product and enforce strict emission limits.
Washington should lead on monitoring. Microplastics remain unregulated and unmonitored at the federal level. California is the first state to require testing — Washington should be next.
Reduce plastic at the source. Banning single-use plastics and mandating filters in washing machines and water treatment facilities reduces both human exposure and greenhouse gas emissions upstream.
Learn more about the health risks
Research, Reading
Webinars & Presentations
OUR WORK
OUR WORK
Coalition letter, July 2025: WPSR joined over 50 Washington environmental, climate, and public health groups in calling on the federal government to monitor microplastics in drinking water.
Microplastics working group: WPSR’s microplastics and waste working group that meets monthly. Link to the sign-up form.
Documentary Showing - Plastic People: WPSR will be partnering with Toxic Free Future to show the documentary Plastic People to Seattle residents in July.
The evidence is clear - microplastics are dangerous to our health.
100%
.5%
1,600+
4.5x
of placentas tested contained microplastics by 2021 - up from 60% in 2006. Premature newborns show significantly higher levels.
Estimated microplastic content of the average human brain by weight - the same as a plastic spoon.
Chemical additives used in plastics - many known hormone disruptors like BPA and PFAS, increasing risk of obesity, diabetes, and cancer.
Microplastics found in arterial plaque of 58% of carotid artery patients - with 4.5x higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death within three years.
Plastics are a fossil fuel product.
98% of single-use plastic is made from petrochemicals derived from oil and gas.
Plastic production alone emits more greenhouse gases than the entire aviation and shipping industry combined.
Production is expected to triple by 2060 — meaning the microplastics crisis and the climate crisis will only deepen together.
Take Action - Our Microplastics Policy Priorities
Ban single-use plastic items - bags, utensils, and packaging.
Washington has made progress on plastic bag bans and should extend these efforts further.
Require monitoring of Microplastics in drinking water systems.
No statewide standard currently exists for measuring Microplastics levels in Washington’s water supply.
Mandate microfiber filters in all new washing machines.
Legislation was introduced in Washington in 2026 but did not pass - renewed support is needed.
Mandate stronger filtration in water treatment facilities for agricultural purposes.
Washington mandated PFAS testing in biosolids in 2025. Microplastics filtration standards are the next step.
Reduce plastics and chemical additives in medical settings.
Patients undergoing treatment are among the most vulnerable - this is a solvable problem.
Add your name to our petition!
WPSR is calling on lawmakers to act on Microplastics. Sign our petition as a health professional or concerned resident to show decision-makers that we demand action to protect our climate and our health!
Take collective action
Encourage restaurants to provide non-plastic take out containers and utensils.
Oppose artificial turf on school grounds and in parks.
Ask retailers to reduce plastics in their packaging.
Encourage your school district to replace single-use plastic cutlery in cafeterias.