What Parents Need to Know About Microplastics

by Krista Hillis September 18, 2026

Parenting is all about trying to keep your child safe and healthy. And if you’re concerned about protecting your kid from contaminants, you’re probably worried about microplastics.

Although microplastics are getting a lot of coverage in the news, you don’t need to panic. There are simple ways to reduce your and your children’s daily exposure. This parents' guide to microplastics covers the greatest culprits and how to implement practical, everyday habits to reduce your exposure (and worries).

What Are Microplastics and How Do You Get Exposed?

Microplastics — plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters — are everywhere, including in the human body.

Bottled water is one of the most common sources of microplastics, since they shed plastic particles directly from the packaging, caps, and industrial bottling process. Research shows that bottled water often has more microplastics than conventionally treated municipal drinking water — although there are other containment concerns with tap water.

During the summer months, intense sun rays and high temperatures weaken the chemical bonds in plastic bottles, so microplastics shed faster.

In addition to plastic water bottles, your family may be exposed through food packaging and household materials, such as synthetic carpets, furniture, clothing, and dust.

What the Research Says About Microplastics (And What It Doesn’t)

There’s a lot of information circulating about microplastics online — some of it true, some of it unproven.

What has been proven is that microplastics are present in oceans, soil, air, drinking water, and human blood, lungs, and organs. Agencies like the EPA are taking action to protect Americans, although the full health impacts of exposure to microplastics are not yet known.

Animal and cell studies show tiny plastic particles can cause cellular stress, inflammation, and immune system changes, although there is no proven connection to clinical disease or direct health damage in people. Exposure thresholds are also currently unclear, as scientists lack standardized tools and validated international protocols.

The bottom line is that microplastics are widespread in nature and human tissues. If you want to reduce your exposure, here are some steps you can take.

Practical Ways to Reduce Your Exposure, Starting Today

Here are three key habits that can dramatically lower your daily exposure to microplastics:

The first is to stop heating plastic and to be mindful of what you eat. This recommendation applies not just to how you heat foods at home (avoiding plastic containers and plastic wrap) but also to how you store your water bottles. For example, don’t leave single-use plastic bottles in hot cars. Limit your consumption of fast food and heavily packaged goods. When it’s time to store food or drinks, use durable containers, including those made from glass or stainless steel.

Secondly, you’ll want to control household dust. Instead of dry dusting, wipe surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth. The same applies to cleaning your floors. Clean hard floors with a wet mop and use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter to trap microscopic fibers.

The most impactful way to protect yourself from microplastics is to filter your drinking water. Eliminating single-use bottled water is the first step, followed by daily consumption of filtered water.

Brio offers solutions for families who want to reduce their intake of microplastics. Popular options include POU coolers, undersink filtration units, and whole house filtration solutions.

How to Reduce Microplastic Exposure: Brio Can Help

Brio has a large collection of bottleless water coolers and advanced filtration systems for those who want to lower their exposure to plastic. There are options for every need, style, and budget.

If you’re looking for a POU cooler, Brio Moderna 4-Stage Reverse Osmosis Bullet Ice Dispenser & Water Cooler will be a great fit.

Interested in an undersink filtration system? The Brio SIMPL Tankless Reverse Osmosis Undersink Filtration System is an easy and reliable clean water solution, as is the Brio AQUUS Tankless Reverse Osmosis Undersink Filtration System.

Ready for a whole house water filtration system? Check out these resources:

You can then explore the different whole house filtration systems to enjoy cleaner water throughout your home.

Take the First Major Step

By taking a few simple precautions, you can create a lower-plastic hydration routine while enjoying access to cleaner, quality water. Browse all of Brio’s water solutions today!

Clean Water

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