Can microplastics from compostable products cause heart damage?
Possibly. A 2025 study found that exposure to polylactic acid microplastics from compostable products caused cardiac fibrosis in an animal model.
What's actually in it
Polylactic acid (PLA) is the most common "compostable" plastic, used in disposable cups, food containers, and packaging. As PLA breaks down, it sheds microplastics just like conventional plastics. These particles can be inhaled or ingested.
What the research says
A 2025 study in Toxicology exposed animals to PLA microplastics during adolescence and found they developed cardiac fibrosis (scarring of heart tissue). The mechanism involved promoting senescence (premature aging) in heart cells.
"Compostable" doesn't mean harmless. Choose reusable glass and steel containers over single-use compostable plastics when possible.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Adolescent exposure to polylactic acid microplastics causes cardiac fibrosis by promoting cardiomyocyte senescence. | Toxicology | 2025 |
What to use instead
Browse our vetted, non-toxic alternatives. Every product is third-party certified.
Shop Non-Toxic Home