It appears that more and more microplastic sources are being discovered every day, from tea bags to clothing and chewing gum. Plastic does not biodegradate, and continues to break down into small, small particles. The microplastics are less than 5 mm long and are the size of a pencil eraser.
Recent research shows that the plastics industry uses more than 16,000 chemicals in its products. More than a quarter of them did that It is considered dangerous For human health and the environment. Those chemicals It can potentially lead to cancer, including highly toxic drugs that can destroy the endocrine and nervous system.
Additionally, the 2024 report New England Journal of Medicine Among patients undergoing carotid artery disease surgery, patients equipped with microplastics alongside their arteries were found to be 4.5 times more risky than those who had experienced a heart attack, stroke, or death from the cause 34 months after surgery.
Microplastics are found in our water, food, air, and even our bodies. It’s impossible to eliminate them from your life, but making these two lifestyle shifts is a manageable way to reduce exposure.
Replace reusable plastic water bottles and filter tap water
A 2019 survey published in the journal Environmental Science Technology It is estimated that people who only drink bottled water consume 90,000 microplastics per year, but switching to filling reusable metal or glass bottles with tap water can reduce that number to 4,000.
It’s a relief, but it still means that you’re exposed to microplastics from the tap. the study Starting in 2024, it has been revealed that boiling tap water could remove at least 80% of its potential microforming and nanoforming. However, if you don’t want to constantly boil water before drinking it, you can choose a filter with National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)/American National Standards Institute 53 (NSF/ANSI 53) certification.
Keep plastic away from food, especially when heating
Avoiding microwaves and cooking with plastics is one of the most important ways to reduce microplastic exposure, experts say luck. This is because heating food in plastic containers can leach microplastics and chemicals within them. Directly to your food-Even if the container says that the microwave is safe.
This is a particularly important warning for babies’ parents. 2020 Research Heating a childish plastic bottle has been found to cause microplastics and potential chemicals to flow into powdered milk and milk. Exposure to microplastics at such young ages is associated with developmental problems. 2022 Research.
Perform additional steps to move food from plastic containers to glass or ceramic dishes before reheating. Additionally, despite the dishwasher safe labelling in some containers, it is better to wash by hand to avoid high temperatures in the dishwasher, which can lead to microplastic falls.
Reusing single-use plastic containers, such as plastic bags, yogurt tabs, and take-out containers, is resourceful, but repeated use of these items can also lead to additional microplastic falloff. If you are reusing these items for food purposes, it could lead to more ingestion of microplastics.
For more information about public health:
- Endocrine disintegration chemicals are everywhere. Here’s how to reduce exposure
- Eight toxic ingredients lurking in skin care and hair products. What should you avoid?
- Tea bags and these 11 foods can expose you to billions of microplastics
This story was originally featured on Fortune.com.
