Microplastics are everywhere—in our food, water, soil, air and even our bodies. And while the science is still evolving, the questions people have are very real.
California lawmakers are taking action, which some see as too little, too late, and others see as overreach. That tension is familiar in public health—big decisions, incomplete evidence, and real health consequences.
During the pandemic, I learned that waiting for scientific certainty before sharing guidance usually means waiting too long. So in this video, we’re jumping into microplastics— I share what I’ve learned, how we’re thinking about it in our own family, and a some steps you can take to reduce exposure. It’s the start of a deeper conversation about an emerging environmental threat.
Video text
Starting January 1st, “paper or plastic?” isn’t a question at checkout counters across California any more. A new state law bans plastic bags—including the ones we used to be able to buy at checkout—to reduce plastic pollution. It’s just one small step, but here’s why it can matter for our health.
I’m Matt Willis, Your Local Epidemiologist in California, and let’s talk about microplastics. It’s a topic many of you have been asking about—and understandably so. The information can feel confusing. On one extreme you hear claims that we eat a credit card’s worth of plastic every week (we don’t) and that it’s harming us constantly. On the other, you’ll hear that microplastics are nothing to worry about. The truth, of course, is somewhere in between. And because YLE is a learning community, I want to share what I’ve learned—and how I’m applying it in my own family.
First, a quick foundation. Plastics don’t really decompose. Instead, they break down into smaller and smaller pieces. These tiny fragments accumulate in our environment— in our water, food, soil, and air. Thanks to recent research, the potential health impacts of this exposure are becoming clearer.
One study published in 2024 was particularly helpful in shaping my understanding of why this matters for public health. Here’s how it went. Researchers followed 257 people who were undergoing surgery to remove plaques from their arteries. Plaque is a buildup of fats and other substances that narrow blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
They found two important things. First, microscopic plastic particles in the arterial plaques of 58% of the patients. This confirmed that microplastics from our environment can enter the bloodstream and become embedded in our blood vessels. But the second finding was even more important. They followed these patients for about three years and found that those with microplastics in their plaques had a fourfold higher risk of a subsequent heart attack or stroke.
Now, we need to be cautious here. This study shows an association, not proof of causation. But it’s not an isolated finding. Other, more recent studies have reported similar associations, including analyses showing that higher levels of microplastics in brain blood vessels are linked with higher rates of dementia.
Again, correlation does not equal causation. But these findings make biological sense. The lining of our arteries is sensitive and reactive, and tiny particles from the environment can act as irritants, triggering inflammation. This is similar to what we’ve learned about wildfire smoke: where microscopic particles can enter the bloodstream, drive inflammation, and increase the risk of smoke related heart attacks and strokes.
Inflammation of blood vessels is likely just one way microplastics may affect health, and research in this area is evolving rapidly. What’s clear is the importance of continuing to examine the links between the health of our environment—which is shaped by our policies and practices—and the health of our bodies.
So what can we do to protect ourselves? One important step is reducing our use of plastics, though that’s easier said than done. In our house, as a busy couple with kids, convenience matters. So rather than trying to eliminate plastic entirely, we focus on a few practical principles to limit exposure.
Remember, microplastics enter our bodies mainly through what we eat and drink, with smaller amounts coming from the air we breathe and possibly through our skin. For us, that means not drinking from plastic bottles, which can contain relatively high levels of microplastics. We also avoid microwaving food in plastic, since heat increases the release of plastic particles into food. And we choose foods with minimal plastic packaging.
Other steps include using a water filter—since tap water can contain microplastics—and choosing natural fabrics when possible, because synthetic clothing can shed plastic fibers. We’re still learning about additional sources of exposure, and we’ll continue adjusting our home environment as new evidence emerges, right alongside you.
Finally, there’s the role of policy. We can all advocate for sensible measures that reduce plastic pollution. If policies like plastic bag bans feel like government overreach, it’s worth remembering that the issue isn’t abstract or distant—the impacts may be as close as our own hearts.
We’re learning more about microplastics every day, and I’ll continue to share what I learn with you. In the meantime, remember to bring reusable bags to the market and try to bring home as little plastic as possible. By taking care of the world around us, we take care of ourselves. See you soon. Stay curious, and stay connected.
References and Resources
New England Journal of Medicine study (2024): Microplastics were detected in arterial plaques and associated with higher rates of heart attack and stroke.
Nature Medicine study (2025): Higher microplastic levels were found in the brains of people with dementia.
California Senate Bill 1053 (Effective January 1, 2026): Bans all plastic carryout bags at retail checkout statewide, allowing only paper or reusable bags.
National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Reducing Exposure to Microplastics:
Consumer-focused steps to reduce exposure, including limiting plastic bottles, packaging, and heated plastics.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA): Overview of what’s under study about microplastics in food; finds no evidence for risk in current commercial foods.
Quick note: next week I’ll be back with the CA Dose—our usual mix of topics and a short summary video. As YLE California grows, I’m testing different formats to see what’s most useful. I’d love to hear whether these slightly longer, single-topic videos also work for you. Share your questions or feedback by email or in the comments.
