Most recent estimates suggest people ingest and inhale tens of thousands to possibly over a hundred thousand microplastic particles per year, although the exact amount varies a lot by lifestyle and diet. That roughly works out to hundreds of particles per day, and researchers emphasize these are likely underestimates because only a fraction of foods and exposure routes have been measured.

Typical yearly amounts

Several analyses of diet plus inhalation in North America estimate about 39,000–52,000 ingested particles per year from food and drink alone, rising to roughly 74,000–121,000 particles when inhaled microplastics are included. A broader global estimate expresses this as about 0.1–5 grams of microplastics per week, which could total from a few to several hundred grams per year depending on assumptions and local conditions.

Why estimates differ

Numbers differ because methods, particle size cutoffs, and what foods are tested vary between studies. For example, people who rely mainly on bottled water may ingest tens of thousands to around 90,000 extra particles per year compared with those mainly drinking tap water, and heavy seafood or high‑protein diets can also increase intake.

What this means for health

Microplastics have now been detected in human blood, lungs, placenta, and other tissues, but the long‑term health effects are still not well defined. Scientists are particularly concerned about inflammation, potential immune and cardiovascular impacts, and the chemicals or additives that can leach from plastics, which is why many call current exposure estimates “likely underestimates” and support reducing plastic use where possible.