Microplastic particles were detected in nine out of 10 men diagnosed with prostate cancer in a new study conducted by researchers at NYU Langone Health, according to a report published Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026.

The study, carried out at NYU Langone Health, including its Perlmutter Cancer Center and the Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards, sought to determine whether exposure to microplastics could contribute to the development of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society.

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Microplastics—tiny particles that form as plastics in food packaging, cosmetics, and everyday products break down—can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation of polluted air, or skin contact.

Researchers Analyzed Prostate Tissue Samples From 10 Men Who Underwent Surgery To Remove The Prostate Gland. Microplastic Particles Were Found In 90% Of Cancerous Tissue Samples And 70% Of Noncancerous Samples.

The concentration difference was significant, with tumor tissues containing roughly 2.5 Times More Plastic Than Healthy Tissues — About 40 micrograms per gram compared with 16 Micrograms Per Gram.

“Our pilot study provides important evidence that microplastic exposure may be a risk factor for prostate cancer,” Said Lead Author Stacy Loeb, A Professor In The Departments Of Urology And Population Health At The NYU Grossman School Of Medicine.

Loeb Said The Research Marks The First Study Conducted In A Western Population To Quantify Microplastic Levels In Prostate Tumors And Directly Compare Them With Levels In Noncancerous Prostate Tissue.

According To The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, Approximately One In Eight Men In The United States Will Be Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer During Their Lifetime.

Researchers Noted That Further Studies With Larger Sample Sizes Are Needed To Confirm The Findings And Better Understand The Potential Health Risks Associated With Microplastic Exposure.