Microplastics aren't just clogging up oceans and food chains — they may be digging deep into your bones.
These plastic particles, smaller than a grain of rice, are everywhere: in your toothpaste, your clothes, your bottled water, your cosmetics, and — increasingly — inside your body. Scientists have already tied them to reproductive, digestive, and respiratory damage, with links to colon and lung cancers. But a new wave of research suggests the threat goes even further.
A sweeping review from Brazilian scientists reveals that microplastics may interfere with the very cells that keep bones strong and healthy. According to the analysis, the particles can accelerate aging in osteoclasts — the cells responsible for breaking down old bone so new tissue can form. When that cycle is disrupted, bones can weaken, deform, or become more vulnerable to fractures.
The researchers also identified evidence that these particles can lodge deep within bone tissue, including bone marrow, potentially disrupting metabolic processes that maintain the skeleton's function.
The findings were published in Osteoporosis International and come at a time when osteoporosis is surging worldwide, driven by aging populations, higher rates of obesity and diabetes, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Scientists now suspect environmental contaminants — including microplastics — may be an overlooked part of the problem.
The Brazilian research team is moving forward with studies on rodent femurs to test how microplastics alter bone strength — work that could provide critical clues about what's happening in human skeletal tissue.
While researchers continue to uncover the full impact, reducing exposure is easier than most people think. Swapping plastic water bottles for stainless steel or glass, choosing natural fabrics instead of polyester, and filtering tap water can help cut down your daily dose of microplastics.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.
