Microplastics — tiny plastic fragments from everyday objects like clothing, packaging, and furnishings — are increasingly being linked to severe health risks. Now, emerging research suggests that their impact may extend deep within our bodies, all the way to bone tissue.

A review of 62 scientific studies published in Osteoporosis International (and supported by researchers at the State University of Campinas, Brazil) highlights how microplastics (MPs) might impair bone health in multiple ways.

Key findings include:

MPs may disrupt the function of bone marrow stem cells and promote the activity of osteoclasts — the cells that break down bone tissue — increasing bone resorption.

In vitro (lab) studies show microplastics can reduce cell viability, accelerate cellular aging, trigger inflammatory responses, and alter how bone-forming cells differentiate. 

Animal studies suggest that MP exposure may interrupt skeletal growth, degrade bone microstructure, and increase the risk of deformities and fractures.

Separate research has detected microplastics in human bone and muscle tissues, raising concerns that these particles could reach deep into bone marrow via the bloodstream

Despite the evidence, scientists caution that there is still much to learn. The precise mechanisms by which microplastics affect bone metabolism in humans remain unclear, and most of the current data comes from laboratory and animal research.

What’s next?
Researchers are now planning animal studies to evaluate how microplastic exposure affects bone strength and structural integrity — such as how well femur bones hold up under stress. These investigations could help clarify whether microplastics are a modifiable environmental risk factor for conditions like osteoporosis and bone fractures in humans. 

Bottom line:
Microplastics are no longer just an environmental nuisance — they are a growing public health concern. This emerging evidence suggests that exposure to MPs might contribute to bone fragility and skeletal issues, especially as populations age. While the link to human bone disease is not yet fully established, the possibility points to the urgent need for deeper scientific investigation and better pollution control measures.