For the first time ever, microplastics have been found in human blood- in a paper published in Environment International, researchers found plastic in the blood of 17 of 22 study participants or about 77 percent. Now, you might be wondering “What does this mean?”. Well, microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that come from pollutants around us like water bottles. Scientists have found them at the highest points of Mount Everest and the lowest points of Marianas Trench. Among the microplastics found, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS) were the most common, the plastics found in water bottles and packaged foods. More research is needed to see the effects of the microplastics in our systems, but for now, we should do our best to keep them out of our systems. Check out these tips on how to protect yourself from microplastics:
Filter water
In a study done in 2018, it was found that 93% of bottled water contained microplastics. Knowing that, it would be best to get your water source from filtering tap water. For convenience of transportation, try getting steel, glass, or silicone bottles.
Microwaving
A study was conducted in 2019 that showed on average a person digests about a credit card amount worth of microplastics. If you find yourself heating up food in plastic containers- you may want to stop. Containers often contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that is used to coat plastic containers. Once heated, it can leach into your food where you then consume it. Try using stovetops in pots and pans as an alternative, we’ve written about the healthiest cookware here!
Containers
It’s been found that plastic takes a very long time to break down. Some scientists even believe that plastics never truly fully decompose. Therefore, it is pertinent for us to do our part and not use it as much so they don’t end up in landfills where the microplastics will be dispersed around the world. Try opting for re-usable glass containers instead!
To-go Cups
Like plastic containers, to-go cups from restaurants can also have HDPE plastic. While that is considered ‘safe’, they have been found to leak estrogenic chemicals and even heavy metals that can disrupt your endocrine system.
Microbeads
If your beauty and skincare products contain microbeads, you may want to consider tossing them out. The National Ocean and Atmospheric Association have suggested decreasing your use so that manufacturers will discontinue the creation of these microplastics that can either be accidentally ingested through things like toothpaste or discarded down your drain (ending up in our waterways and environment).
Laundry
Changing the way you do laundry can significantly decrease the number of microplastics in the environment. A study found that washing your laundry through washing machines and dryers released over 700,000 microplastics.
- Do laundry less often.
- Wash full loads.
- Avoid delicates settings on your machine.
- Line-dry your clothes when possible.
- Consider installing a filter on your washing machine or using a laundry bag or laundry ball.
- Synthetic fibres like polyester are made from petroleum, and the fibers they shed are plastic. Choosing natural fibers like cotton, linen and hemp when you are buying new clothes can help to reduce the amount of microplastics shed with each wash.
Seafood & Chicken
Researchers have found that marine life eats the plastics around them in the ocean, and microplastics have even been found in chickens. Since they are being ingested, the plastics can remain in their bodies until they hit your plate. To reduce the chance of you ingesting those plastics as well, it’s been suggested to reduce your intake of seafood and chicken.
Clothes fibers
Going hand-in-hand with your laundry routine, the synthetic fibers that are being used in fast fashion are contributing to the spread of microplastics. Clothes made naturally from sources such as cotton or silk are the best options. When released, they can even be found floating in the air.
Tea bags
A study found that when tea bags were brewed, they released 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics. Instead of using plastic tea bags, you may want to try reusable steepers or just loose leaves for your next cup of tea!
Cleanliness
Since microplastics are- like their name suggests- micro, you can ingest them through the particles that are floating around in the air. Since they are so small, they can mix with the dust hiding in different places around us. Knowing this, it is important to dust and vacuum (if your vacuum has a HEPA filter, even better!) your surroundings to prevent the ingestion of microplastics.
