Microplastics Found Deep Inside Human Bones, Could Worsen Osteoporosis
Plastic waste isn’t just choking oceans – it’s infiltrating our bodies in ways that scientists are only beginning to uncover.
In a new scientific review, published in the journal Osteoporosis International, researchers examined 62 studies in order to determine the known effects of microplastics on human and animal bones.
They found that micro and nanoplastics could be harming bone health in various ways, including:
> Impairing bone marrow stem cell function
> Accelerating cell aging
> Promoting inflammation
> & more
Microplastics in bones not only may weaken skeletal structure and accelerate cell aging, recent studies suggest that these particles could worsen metabolic bone diseases like osteoporosis, a risk that’s especially concerning as fractures are projected to rise sharply in the coming decades.
The production and use of over 400 million tons of plastic each year has polluted beaches, rivers, and even the deepest parts of the ocean, reaching depths of up to 11,000 meters. In addition to visible environmental impacts, plastic contributes to climate change. It is estimated that plastic production generates 1.8 billion tons of greenhouse gases per year.
Scientific evidence also suggests that using plastic materials in everyday life has impacted human health. A large number of plastic particles detach from curtains, furniture, clothing, and other plastic objects. These particles remain suspended in the air, dissolve in drinking water, adhere to food, and can be inhaled, ingested, or come into contact with people’s skin.
Besides human bones, microplastics have also been found in human blood, the brain, the placenta, and breast milk.
References: Science Daily (19 September 2025); Plastic Pollutes (24 September 2025)
Read more:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250918225014.htm