Microplastics (tap water)
Degradation of plastic pipes
Evidence level : Probable Drinking waterMechanism : Environmental / physical burden
🟡 Several human studies point the same way, with a plausible biological mechanism, but the evidence is not yet conclusive.
- Where it's found
- Degradation of plastic pipes and incomplete filtration at treatment plants.
- Suspected mechanism
- Their presence in water is confirmed; the effect on human fertility is still poorly characterized.
- Suggested alternative
- Fine mechanical filtration or reverse osmosis.
- Source
- Studies on microplastics in drinking water.
Map your everyday exposures in about ten minutes.
Take the questionnaireRelated factors
Including a factor does not mean it causes infertility: it is simply worth monitoring, depending on its level of evidence.
Content last updated: September 14, 2026