Can aromatic microplastic fragments stress urinary tract cells?

What's actually in it

Microplastics can enter the body through food, drink, dust, and air. This study compared 2 types: alkyl polypropylene, or PP, and aromatic polyethylene terephthalate, or PET.

PET is used in many plastics, including some food and drink packaging. The study focused on how different plastic chemistries behave in blood and urinary-tract cell models.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Journal of Hazardous Materials exposed PP and PET fragments to whole human blood. PET adsorbed about 3x more serum proteins and red blood cells than PP.

The protein-coated PET fragments then stuck more readily to human endothelial cells and urine-derived epithelial cells. They increased reactive oxygen species and apoptosis markers compared with PP.

This does not prove one plastic container will damage your urinary tract. It does show that aromatic microplastic surfaces can cause cell stress in realistic lab models of blood contact and urinary excretion.

What to do at home

Reduce repeated food-contact plastic first. Store leftovers in glass jars or glass containers, avoid heating food in plastic, and use stainless steel or glass for warm drinks when you can.