Microplastics and your health
Using less plastic benefits your health and the environment.
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are less than 5 mm in diameter. These little particles of plastic can be found in water, air, and soil, and the stomach of some marine and land animals.
Although microplastics have been found in human tissue, the long-term health impacts are still unknown.
You are encouraged to reduce your use of plastic products where possible, to reduce exposure to microplastics.
Where microplastics are found
Broken plastic items
Plastic bags, bottles, containers, straws, and wrappers can break down into small pieces over time.
Everyday products
Cosmetics, cleansers with microbeads used as exfoliants, cleaning products, drug delivery particles in medicines, fertilisers, paints and coatings, and agricultural chemicals. Simply using these can release microplastics.
Clothes and fabrics
Washing and wearing clothes made of synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon, can release tiny plastic fibres.
How microplastics can get into our bodies
Food and drink
Some studies have found microplastics are in the water we drink (particularly bottled water) and some foods we eat (including chewing gum). Many animals that we commonly eat may also consume microplastics. This means foods such as shellfish, chicken, and honey may contain microplastics.
Air
We can breathe in tiny plastic particles floating in the air.
Microplastics and your health
Scientists are still learning about microplastics and whether they impact our bodies. More studies are underway to determine how much exposure to microplastics is too much.
Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (external site) say plastic contamination of the food chain is unlikely to cause immediate health risks. However, if you are concerned, you may wish to take steps to reduce exposure to microplastics where possible.
It's important to understand there is a big difference between the amount of microplastic that enters our bodies, and the amount absorbed into the bloodstream. Many microplastic particles are too large to cross from the lungs and gut into the bloodstream.
What is being done to reduce plastic use
There are government actions underway across Australia and internationally to reduce the amount of plastic being produced and used by industry. You can read Western Australia’s Plan for Plastics (external site) to learn more about how governments, non-government organisations, and private companies are working on regulation and plastic alternatives.
Research to develop safer alternatives to plastic is ongoing. While a small percentage of plastics are ‘bioplastics’ made from plant-based products, most plastics are made from fossil fuels and contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment.
Reduce your exposure to microplastics
There are many things you can do to reduce your exposure to microplastics and plastic in general.
Use glass, ceramic or stainless steel containers
- Store food and make your lunches in glass or stainless steel containers.
- Use glass, ceramic, or stainless steel bottles or cups for drinking or for your takeaway coffee.
- Reused glass jars can be an affordable option to replace plastic containers and plastic wraps.
Use a stainless steel or glass kettle
- Avoid using plastic kettles.
Use less plastic products
- Use reusable bags instead of single-use plastic.
- Buy loose produce that is not sold in plastic.
- Cut back on bottled water and sodas.
- Limit your use of plastic cutlery, plates, and plastic wrap.
- Use stainless steel or wooden/bamboo cooking utensils instead.
- Use reusable beeswax/fabric food wraps or fabric bags.
Avoid plastic household furnishings
- Consider furniture made of natural products such as wood or bamboo.
- Check for certifications, and opt for natural finishes such as natural oils or beeswax finishes over chemical intensive processes.
- Consider wooden/bamboo, concrete, or tiled flooring over carpet.
Wash food thoroughly
- Wash foods such as rice, grains, and fresh produce thoroughly in water before using.
Use wood or bamboo cutting boards
- Limit the use of plastic cutting boards.
Drink filtered tap water
Don’t heat plastic
- Avoid microwaving or heating food or water in plastic.
- Avoid plastic cooking utensils.
Wash plastic by hand
- If you have to use plastic, wash in the sink rather than in the dishwasher where heat can cause plastic to break down.
Avoid dishwashing tablets wrapped in plastic
- Use plastic free tablets.
Choose natural fabrics
- Pick clothes made from natural fibres such as cotton or wool, instead of polyester or nylon.
Use plastic free toothbrushes
- Consider using alternatives to nylon bristle toothbrushes.
Dispose of plastic thoughtfully
- While avoiding plastic use is best, it can be hard to avoid plastic completely. Clean plastic bottles, tubs and containers can be recycled in yellow top bins in Western Australia. Scrunchable plastics, plastic lids, meat trays, coffee cups, and takeaway food containers can’t be recycled in home recycling and should be placed in landfill red top bins.
- Read more information on recycling and waste (external site).
Help clean up
- Pick up litter when you see it or join a local clean-up day.
Last reviewed: 23-01-2026