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How to Reduce Microplastic Exposure in Everyday Life

  • Writer: FibonacciMD
    FibonacciMD
  • 3 days ago
  • 6 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Lower Your Exposure to Microplastics

Practical steps to reduce plastic particles and chemical leaching from common household sources.

minimize exposure to microplastics and chemicals leaching

How to Reduce Exposure to Microplastics and Chemicals Leaching from Plastics



This article discusses how to reduce exposure to potentially harmful plastics. The generic term “microplastics” is used in this article, but readers should know that that term also includes smaller nanoplastic particles. 


Recommended Interventions


1) Reduce drinking fluids from plastic bottles. 

Researchers have reported approximately 240,000 micro and nano-particles are found per liter of bottled water.[1]  Another study found microplastics in 93% of 11 brands of globally sourced bottled water.[2]  Consumer Reports found heavy metals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, had leached into some brands of bottled water.[3]  


Use of glass or stainless-steel bottles can decrease microplastic and chemical ingestion from bottled liquids.[4] 


2) Filter tap water. 

A study of globally sourced tap waters found human-made fiber particles consistent with microplastics in 81% of the samples.[5]  Microplastic particles have been found both in groundwater and in the oceans.  Filtering drinking water has been shown to reduce microplastic levels, but performance can vary greatly between models.  One study reported that water filters which incorporated microfiltration or membrane filtration removed more plastic than those that did not use that technology.[6]  Reverse osmosis water filters may also effectively filter microplastics, but comparison data on home systems are limited.  The performance data sheet from the manufacturer can tell you if a filter has been tested for filtration of microplastics and how well it functions.

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3) Store food in glass or silicone containers.


Store food in glass or silicone containers rather than plastic containers to avoid chemicals leaching into the food, as well as microplastic contamination.[4] 


4) Do not microwave food in plastic containers. 

There are over 13,000 chemicals used in the manufacture of various plastic products.  Some of these chemicals may leach into food or liquids that are in contact with plastic.[7,8]  Heat can further increase the leaching of chemicals from plastics.  Microwaving foods packed in plastic may increase that process.[8]  Keep in mind that products such as bottled water may be transported in un-air-conditioned trucks or via shipping crates, which can get very hot in the summer or in warm climates, and potentially increase chemical contamination. 


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5) Reduce infant exposure to plastics. 

A source of ingested microplastics in infants is polyethylene infant milk bottles, which have been found to give off numerous microparticles which may then be ingested.[9]  Warming the milk up in those bottles can also increase the amount of microparticles in the milk.[9]  This source of plastic contamination can be eliminated by using glass bottles and silicone nipples.  Microplastics have been found both in cow’s milk and 75% of samples in one study of human breast milk, so total elimination of microplastic ingestion from milk may not be possible.[10,11]


A recent study reported higher amounts of microplastics per gram of stool in infants than adults, indicating that infant exposure may be greater than that for adults.[12]  Teething rings have been found to leach chemicals and microplastics[13,14], suggesting that plastic ones should be avoided.  Plastic toys which infants may put in their mouths can also be a source of ingested microplastics and chemicals.[14]


Dust on the floor may contain both plastic fragments, as well as chemicals from polyester carpets and other items made of plastic in the house.  Infants frequently crawl on the floor and can ingest or inhale this dust or carpet fibers.  Consider covering polyester carpets with a natural fabric, such as cotton, when letting an infant crawl on it.  Measuring the number of particulates in the air, and if elevated, using a HEPA filter (high-efficiency particulate air filter) may reduce plastic and other substances in the air that later become dust.  Vacuuming floors frequently with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter may also help.[15] 


6) Plastic cutting trays

Plastic cutting trays have been found to add plastic particles to food, as well as to wastewater when washed off.  Consider using wood or silicone cutting boards.[4,16]


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7) Eat freshly prepared food. 

Almost all foods have been found to have microplastics in them.[17,18,19,20,21]  Microplastics in soil can be taken up by plant roots and then incorporated into fruits and vegetables.[17]  Fish and animals may ingest and retain microplastics, which are then eaten by humans.[19]  Plastic tubing used in food processing may increase microplastics found in the food.[19]  While nearly impossible to avoid entirely, freshly prepared food has been found to have fewer chemicals and plastic microparticles from plastic than highly processed or fast foods.[4]  


8) When composting, do not add plastic to the waste. 

As the plastic breaks down into  micro- and nanoparticles in the soil, these can enter a plant’s roots and become incorporated into fruits and vegetables.  It has also been suggested that the practice of covering crops with a plastic film to protect them may increase the amount of microplastics in the soil.[8]


Comments: 

It is nearly impossible in modern societies to avoid ingesting either the chemicals that leach from plastics or microplastics.  They are both currently in the food chain, and evidence has shown that both the chemicals and microplastics which are absorbed into the body can potentially adversely affect human health.  The best one can do is to try to decrease the amount ingested of these substances.




References 


initially published 12/23/2024

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