Microplastics, known for their potential to damage DNA and contribute to cancer, are alarmingly prevalent in American households. While some sources may be easily identifiable, like plastic cutlery, others might catch you by surprise.

In a recent video, wellness influencer and former psychiatrist Dr. Paul Saladino highlighted five unexpected household items that expose individuals to these tiny particles. His list includes everyday items that one might not typically associate with microplastics.

According to Saladino, some of the primary culprits are paper coffee cups, teabags with plastic linings, cans, plastic cutting boards, and baby bottles. In another video, he also pointed out that toothbrushes are significant contributors to microplastic exposure.

Research has detected microplastics in a variety of consumable liquids such as bottled water, fruit juices, energy drinks, and sodas. These particles have also been identified in tap water across numerous states and countries, as well as in fruits, vegetables, meats, processed foods, and beverages like tea and coffee, and in fish.

Microplastics are released when the plastic linings in products like hot coffee cups, tea bags, and baby bottles come into contact with hot liquids. Similarly, cans and plastic cutting boards also emit these particles.

The study of microplastics is a developing field. These tiny plastic pieces can range from being invisible to the naked eye to as large as 5 millimeters, and they originate from the breakdown of larger plastic objects.

Research into their pervasiveness has found the particles in testicles, kidneys, the liver, placenta and even a newborn’s first bowel movement.

Previous research has found that the human brain contains 0.5 percent microplastics by weight, 7 grams, about the weight of a plastic spoon.

Microplastics have been implicated in the development of a long list of chronic diseases, including Alzheimer’s, heart disease, stroke, some cancers and early death.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, ranging from invisible to 5mm in size, created as plastic breaks down. Research in this area is rapidly evolving

Saladino said: ‘These are the five biggest sources of microplastics exposure in your life. These five things are causing you to ingest millions of microplastics, probably every day.’

While disposable cups are made of and feel like paper on the outside, they are lined on the inside with a thin layer of plastic to make them waterproof.  

When hot liquids are poured inside, the heat can cause this lining to degrade and shed microscopic particles, which are then immediately ingested.

Research has shown that a single-use cup can release thousands of microplastic particles, creating a direct and frequent exposure source.

Modern premium teabags, particularly those made from a silky-looking plastic mesh, often made of nylon, are a significant yet often surprising source of microplastics.

When steeped in boiling water, the high temperature accelerates the breakdown of the plastic polymers used to make the bags. 

Studies have shown that a single plastic teabag can release billions of nanoparticles into a single cup of tea, far exceeding the amount in tap water.

Many baby bottles are made from polypropylene, a durable type of plastic. When these bottles are subjected to standard sterilization processes, like boiling water, and then used to prepare formula with hot water, they can release millions of plastic particles per liter.

Infants are especially vulnerable to these particles, given their low body weight and developing physiology (stock)

Plastic teabags, often made of nylon, shed billions of nanoparticles into a single cup when steeped in boiling water (stock)

Infants are particularly vulnerable to inflammation from microplastics, hormonal disruption and neurodevelopmental issues, because of their low weight and their physiology.

Another surprising source of microplastics is canned goods. The interiors of most food and beverage cans are coated with an epoxy resin lining, often made with plastics containing the harmful chemical bisphenol, to prevent metal corrosion and preserve their contents.

But over time, and especially when the can includes acidic, salty or fatty foods, the lining can degrade, releasing microplastic and nanoplastic particles regardless of whether they are heated, which are then consumed.

Finally, the daily act of chopping food on a plastic cutting board, often made with polyethylene or polypropylene, is a major source of microplastics through direct abrasion with a sharp knife.

Each knife stroke shaves off tiny plastic flecks that become embedded in food. A person could ingest tens of millions of microplastic particles annually from this everyday kitchen staple alone.

This problem worsens over time as the board ages and develops cut grooves, increasing the surface area exposed to the knife’s edge and accelerating particle release.

Saladino said: ‘Reducing your exposure to microplastics will significantly improve your health.’

This is easier said than done, though. Microplastics have invaded every aspect of life and cannot be completely avoided. But people can reduce their exposure.

Plastic cutting boards release millions of microplastics annually through knife abrasion, which directly contaminate food (stock)

Recommendations include limiting single-use plastics, choosing glass or metal over plastic containers, avoiding plastic in food prep, like non-stick pans or microwaving plastic, washing synthetic clothes less often in cold water, choosing whole foods and filtering tap water.

Still, the global problem of microplastics appears to be worsening as they become increasingly common.

In February 2025, scientists from the University of New Mexico revealed an increase in microplastic pollution over time. For instance, individuals who passed away in 2024 had markedly greater levels of microplastics in their brains than those who died in 2016.

This trend was consistent in samples dating back to 1997, with more recent samples consistently showing higher contamination. Notably, the concentration of plastics found did not correlate with the age of the deceased.

However, this specific quantification has been met with skepticism from some specialists, who caution that certain natural fatty structures in brain tissue can be easily mistaken for plastic particles under a microscope.

In September, scientists at the University of Rhode Island found that micro- and nanoplastics can accumulate in the brain and trigger Alzheimer’s-like conditions.

Researchers specifically examined mice genetically modified to carry the APOE4 gene, a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s in humans, and exposed them to plastic particles in their drinking water. 

The results showed that male mice displayed increased apathy, while female mice showed significant memory impairment, mirroring behavioral differences observed in human Alzheimer’s patients.

Scientists are also investigating a potential link between microplastic exposure and heart health. 

A 2024 study based in Italy found that patients with microplastics detected in a major artery faced a higher risk of experiencing a heart attack, stroke or death within a three-year period.

Further, research from the University of California, Riverside showed that male mice subjected to microplastics developed an increased vulnerability to atherosclerosis, the dangerous arterial plaque buildup that can precipitate heart attacks and strokes.