An In-depth Exploration of Microplastics and Actionable Steps
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in size, have become a significant environmental concern over recent years. These minuscule pollutants are ubiquitous, found in oceans, rivers, soil, food we eat, and even the air we breathe. Understanding the impact of microplastics on human health is crucial, as these particles have infiltrated our everyday lives.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the effects of microplastics on our health, where we can find them, and offer actionable steps to reduce exposure.
What are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastics that range from 1 micron to 5mm in diameters. Anything smaller than 1 micron are nanoplastics. They can be categorized into two types: primary and secondary. Primary microplastics are manufactured small, such as microbeads used in cosmetics and personal care products. Secondary microplastics result from the breakdown of larger plastic items like bottles, bags, and fishing nets. These particles enter the environment through various sources, including:
- Tap water: sources include surface run-off, wastewater, sewer overflows, plastic waste, industrial effluent, and atmospheric deposition
- Sea salt: where the sea water is contaminated with lost of plastic waste
- Lining of canned soup
- Plastic bottled water: where the microplastics are released from the plastic bottle
- Plastic containers used in microwave
- Paper cups lining: paper cups are coated with coating of plastic, especially releases when serving hot beverages
- Non-stick pan and plastic cookware: release microplastics into food during food preparation
- Receipts: skin absorbs BPA and BPS when handling thermal paper receipts and using hand sanitizer may increase absorption
- Industrial processes: spills and waste management issues
- Microwave popcorn: the lining of the microwave popcorn bags contains microplastics and can be released during the microwave process
- Toothpaste in certain countries
- Wastewater: from household products and industrial effluents, e.g. sewage from laundry water that washed off the microplastics found in synthetic clothes
- Agricultural runoff: containing plastic mulches and fertilizers
- Vehicle tires: abrasion of tires releases microplastics into the air and roadways
- Textile fibers: washing synthetic clothing releases microfibers into water system and by inhalation
- Marine activities: degradation of fishing gear and plastic waste in oceans
Pathways of Microplastics into the Human Body
Microplastics are prevalent in many aspects of our daily lives, and it is no surprise that they have been detected throughout the human body, including in the brain, blood, saliva, liver, kidneys, and placenta.
Microplastics can enter our bodies through several pathways. One common route is ingestion, as these particles have been found in food and water. Studies have detected microplastics in toothpaste, sea salt, and even bottled water. Another pathway is inhalation, as microplastics can become airborne and be breathed in, particularly in urban environments. Additionally, dermal exposure through products containing microplastics, such as certain cosmetics, clothings, can also contribute to their presence in our bodies.
Effects of Microplastics on Human Health
The potential health impacts of microplastics are still being studied, but existing research raises several concerns. Microplastics can carry toxic chemicals and pathogens, which may have harmful effects when ingested or inhaled. Studies have shown that microplastics can accumulate in organs, potentially leading to inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues. There are also possible links to diseases such as increase vulnerability to develop neuronal disorders, cancer and hormonal disruptions, though more research is needed to fully understand these connections.
Current Research and Findings
Recent studies have uncovered alarming details about the prevalence and impact of microplastics. Researchers have found microplastics in various human tissues, including the brain, lungs, liver, placentas, and intestines. These findings highlight the pervasiveness of microplastics and the urgent need for reduction in our daily exposures to microplastics.
What You Can Do to Reduce Exposure
Despite the challenges, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to microplastics. Start by reducing plastic use in your daily life. Opt for reusable items that are not made with plastics, such as steel or ceramic cups and water bottles, reusable shopping bags instead of plastic bags for groceries, and reusable metal straws instead of plastics or paper straws. Be mindful of the products you choose; select items with fewer microplastics and avoid those containing microbeads. Here are some daily tips to reduce exposure to microplastics:
1. Avoid drinking water from plastic bottled water, by bring your own bottle of water made of non-plastics, like steel, glass or ceramics.
2. Reverse osmosis filtration system for tap water
3. Use pink Himalayan salt. Move away from marine generated salt
4. Do not consume canned soup
5. Do not microwave plastic. Use glass or ceramic container instead
6. Avoid paper cups or paper straw. Bring your own ceramic, glass or metal mugs and straws instead.
7. Eat enough light cooked cruciferous vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower, or supplement with sulforaphane, which cruciferous vegetables are high in
8. Eat enough fibers, including fruits and vegetables, for detoxification purpose by excreting from bowels
9. Avoid non-stick pans and plastic cooking ware. Opt for cast iron or ceramics
10. Avoid carbonated water even in glass bottles
11. Sweating is good for detoxification. Can achieve this by exercise, hot yoga, and sauna
12. Try to avoid plastic packaged food. You may get your food from farmers market and bring your own non-plastic bag
13. Avoid microwave popcorn since the bag lining contains microplastics.
14. Avoid toothpaste, may opt for tooth tablets
15. Avoid handling receipts
16. Avoid chewing gums, which contains plastic polymers, and can be ingested through saliva
We’ve Got This!
Addressing microplastic pollution is crucial for protecting our health and preserving the environment. By learning about how microplastics impact our lives, we can make informed choices that protect us and our loved ones. It starts with small, everyday changes—like choosing products with less plastic, supporting sustainable initiatives, and spreading awareness. Every action we take, no matter how small, makes a difference. Let’s come together to create a cleaner, healthier future for ourselves and generations to come. We’ve got this!
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