Researchers make disturbing discovery after analyzing athletes’ bodies: ‘We’re only just beginning’

May 9, 2025

While exposure to microplastics is unavoidable no matter who you are, they surround athletes almost by necessity. Athletes eat plastic-wrapped nutrition bars and drink from plastic water bottles, as they’re lightweight and easily handled mid-training or during competition. They wear lightweight, elastic, breathable gear made from plastic materials. They spend plenty of time out in open air and in the water.

Adding to this is the fact that when athletes sweat, their pores open up, making it even easier for microplastics to enter their bodies. This all adds up to a potentially significant health risk that Richardson believes may continue to grow as we learn more about microplastics. yahoo!