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Microplastics and Health Report. A report prepared for the Australian Centre for Disease Control, June 2026
Summary
This report reviews existing research on how tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in our environment might affect our health, plus how different countries—including Australia, the US, and the UK—are handling the issue. The honest takeaway: scientists still don't have clear answers on exactly how harmful microplastics are or at what exposure levels, so most countries are taking a cautious, "monitor and reduce exposure where possible" approach rather than issuing strict warnings. This matters because microplastics are already in our food, water, and air, and understanding the real risks will help shape better health guidance down the road.
The Australian Centre for Disease Control commissioned Allen + Clarke to undertake a review of domestic and international health advice on the health effects of microplastics. This report delivers two key outputs:An evidence review on the potential associations between exposure to microplastic particles and health outcomes (including plausible mechanistic or biological processes that drive health or disease development and progression in humans)A comparative analysis of health advice and jurisdictional approaches to managing health-related risks from microplastics in Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States and advice provided by international organisations.