In part two of our three-part plastics challenge, our sustainability editor walks you through how to reduce exposure to microplastics and their chemicals, including in your food, drinking water, and air.
Last week, we took a bird’s eye view of the plastic problem. Globally, plastic production has been steadily growing for decades and is projected to continue rising. And in recent years, researchers have noticed that the amount of plastic in our bodies seems to be increasing with the amount of plastic in the environment.
There are plenty of reasons to care about plastic in the environment, full stop. But when scientists start to detect a bunch of plastic in our bodies, perhaps things start to feel more personal. There seems to be enough growing evidence that it’s not a bad idea to cut back on plastic exposure where you can. That’s what we’ll focus on today.
Research suggests that micro- and possible nanoplastics can accumulate in our bodies, including blood, brain tissue, arteries, and more. Scientists are actively trying to understand what effects all this plastic might have on our health. But they’re seeing links between plastic exposure and certain cancers, respiratory disease, metabolic function, endocrine disruption, and heart disease.
Before you panic, it’s important to note that these links do not necessarily mean plastic exposure directly leads to specific, predictable outcomes. Scientists are also still studying how the plastic accumulates inside us. There’s some debate about where it’s coming from. Is it primarily from plastic that’s been swirling around the world for decades? That’s what some believe.
But scientists also know that microplastics are shed from “fresh” plastic like water bottles, food containers, tires, paint, and synthetic textiles. And it’s not just the physical plastic bits that concern them, but the potentially harmful chemicals that can leach off of and glom onto plastic. Any kind of plastic can shed microplastics and leach chemical additives with enough time and the right conditions, but high temperatures, sunlight, abrasion, acids, and oils may accelerate leaching or degradation.
Experts believe that we’re exposed to microplastics and their chemicals through two main pathways: ingestion (eating and drinking) and inhalation. There’s also growing evidence that under certain conditions, we may be exposed to some chemical additives through skin absorption.
So how do we reduce our exposure? Here are just a few practices you can begin implementing today:
- Cut back on drinking beverages that come in plastic, both at home and when out and about. Investing in a stainless steel or glass travel bottle or tumbler can make the habit easier to stick to.
- Avoid routinely using plastic for cooking, eating, or food storage.
- Regularly manage dust, which can contain microplastics, by wiping surfaces at home with a damp cloth and vacuuming.
- If you use a plastic bottle for your baby, there are some best practices you can follow, including avoiding heating or mixing milk or formula directly in the bottle.
Sometimes the specifics of this or that swap can start to feel a bit dizzying, like whack-a-mole in your own home. Don’t let fear or perfectionism take you down. Remember that exposure to plastic is inevitable, but it is just one of many possible things that might affect your overall health. And small steps that can become habits will help reduce your exposure.
