Microplastics, small fragments resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic products, have become a growing concern as they contaminate air, water, food sources, and wildlife. Recent studies have detected microplastics in the human body and brain. Scientists worldwide are investigating how these particles may affect human health.
At the University of Miami Health System, Dr. Raveen Syan, a urologist, and Dr. Tiffani Janae Houston, an internal medicine and pediatric specialist, are researching potential health risks associated with microplastics. According to Dr. Syan, “While the exact impact on humans is not yet known, we do know that microplastics are present in our circulatory system (blood), urine, solid organs, and in tumor tissues. The concern is that these microplastics may be causing inflammation, disruption of normal physiologic function, and possible increased cancer risk.”
Dr. Houston is studying possible links between microplastic exposure and preeclampsia—a pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and protein in urine—which is a leading cause of infant mortality and maternal complications during late pregnancy and after delivery. She states: “Preeclampsia is one of the main causes of infant mortality and complications for mothers at the end of pregnancy, during delivery, and postpartum.”
Dr. Houston explains their research focus: “Our hypothesis is that exposure to microplastics is leading to an inflammatory environment in the vagina that’s disrupting the vaginal microbiome (healthy and dangerous bacteria). We’re trying to see if there is any link between that inflammation within the vagina and the disruption of the microbiome that is causing the development of preeclampsia. There is a link between inflammation and preeclampsia, and there is a link between high blood pressure and microplastics causing inflammation, but the link between all three is not yet known.”
She notes that current global research finds correlations between microplastics and various inflammatory conditions but adds: “But, from what I understand…there are only a handful of molecular analyses that have been able to identify inflammatory pathways that affect cell signaling — like my work with the microbiome — from the source of microplastics.”
Miami offers unique opportunities for this type of public health research due to its diverse population spanning many ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Dr. Houston comments: “We’re able to reach a huge, diverse sample that essentially reflects the global population, which is pretty novel for translational research.” She also points out environmental factors: “With the higher rain levels that we’ve been seeing and more hurricanes that we’ve been having, the potential for exposure to microplastics in contaminated soil increases…Our research explores the potential increased public health impact of these microplastics because of the changes to our local weather patterns.”
Despite ongoing studies worldwide on this topic—researchers emphasize significant gaps remain regarding how exactly microplastics impact humans over time. As Dr. Houston says: “My primary concern is that we don’t know enough about the impact microplastics can have on human health. We are incredibly behind in the investigative models…At the very least we are five to 10 years from significantly understanding this…”
To reduce personal exposure while research continues developing clear answers about long-term effects:
– Avoid bottled water; use reusable bottles made from stainless steel or glass.
– Filter tap water with certified systems.
– Store food outside plastic containers when possible.
– Avoid microwaving or heating food in plastics.
– Reduce use of single-use plastics like bags or straws.
– Wash hands before eating.
– Limit seafood likely to contain high levels of microplastics such as shellfish.
– Wash fruits/vegetables thoroughly.
– Choose natural fibers over synthetics for clothing/bedding.
Dr. Syan advises: “The best thing to do…is reduce your exposure to plastics by both personal habits and globally trying to use materials other than plastic especially biodegradable products.”
Dr. Houston concludes by highlighting policy needs: “There also needs to be significant local federal and global policy changes…My work aims to find evidence supporting correlations between microplastics cancers autoimmune disorders other conditions like preeclampsia so we can hopefully influence policies…”
