Texas Health Professionals Urge Action on Microplastics

Concerns over microplastics are growing as researchers find them almost everywhere in the state.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:50pm

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An extreme close-up X-ray photograph revealing the ghostly presence of microplastic particles embedded within the structure of a human cell, conceptually illustrating the pervasive nature of this emerging health concern.Microscopic plastic particles have been found infiltrating human cells, raising urgent questions about the health impacts of this ubiquitous environmental pollutant.Austin Today

Nearly 100 doctors and health professionals in Texas have sent a letter to Governor Greg Abbott asking him to take steps to protect public health from the threat of microplastics. Microplastics are tiny bits of plastic debris smaller than 5 millimeters that are created when plastic is manufactured or breaks down. Researchers are finding microplastics in almost every cell in the human body, and early studies suggest potential links to health risks like cardiovascular disease and inflammation, though more research is needed.

Why it matters

Microplastics have been found in rivers, lakes, and creeks all over Central Texas, including in Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake. As these tiny plastic particles become more ubiquitous in the environment, there are growing concerns about their potential impact on human health that need to be addressed.

The details

The group of health professionals is calling for the formation of a statewide taskforce, stronger environmental oversight, and holding plastic manufacturers accountable in order to address the threat of microplastics. Researchers at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso have been studying the prevalence of microplastics in the human body and the potential health consequences, though more research is still needed.

  • On April 14, 2026, nearly 100 doctors and health professionals sent a letter to Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
  • Past studies have shown microplastics in Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake.

The players

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas who received a letter from health professionals urging action on microplastics.

Hailey McHorse

A representative from Environment Texas who has collected water samples showing the presence of microplastics in Texas lakes and rivers.

Deborah Clegg

The Vice President of Research at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso, who has been researching the prevalence of microplastics in the human body and their potential health impacts.

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What they’re saying

“We are now beginning to find these particles, these microplastic particles, in almost every cell in the human body.”

— Deborah Clegg, VP of Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

“What we don't know is what are they doing there, how do we get rid of them and what sort of health consequences are associated with these particles.”

— Deborah Clegg, VP of Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

What’s next

The group of health professionals is calling for the formation of a statewide taskforce to further study the issue of microplastics and develop strategies to address it.

The takeaway

As microplastics become more prevalent in the environment, there are growing concerns about their potential impacts on human health that need to be urgently addressed through increased research, oversight, and action from state leaders.