How to reduce exposure to microplastics

The ubiquity of plastic means it's impossible to avoid it completely. However, there are steps you can take to minimize its presence.

“Of course I understand, and everyone understands, that plastic is a very important part of our society. But there are some direct exposures that can be reduced.” says Sheila Satyanarayana, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington who studies chemicals in plastics that affect the endocrine system.

Reduce the use of plastic, full stop

Some of our exposure to microplastics comes from the environment. For example, particles in the air enter our bodies when we breathe, while plastic in water bodies accumulates in seafood. But other sources are closer to home. Satyanarayana says “the simplest low-hanging fruit” to limit exposure is to reduce the amount of plastic used.

Simple steps like switching from bottled water to tap water can make a difference. Research shows that a liter of water bottle contains an average of 240,000 pieces of plastic. Early US research estimated that if the average American drank tap water instead of bottled water, they would consume dramatically less plastic particles.

keep plastic out of the kitchen

It's not just bottled water. Food storage containers, cutting boards, and many other kitchen utensils are often made of or contain plastic. Even tea bags may be made of materials that include plastic, says Mark Wisner, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Duke University who studies how plastic breaks down.

Fortunately, many of the same kitchen utensils are also available in glass or stainless steel, and you can even use a wooden cutting board instead of a plastic one. Making the switch is especially important because plastics can break down faster when exposed to heat.

Gillian Goddard, a New York endocrinologist and contributor to Parentdata, which provides information on pregnancy, parenting, and perimenopause, says, “Never microwave food in plastic. Please stop.” Tempered glass such as Pyrex is suitable for heating food.

If you use plastic items, Goddard recommends washing them by hand and throwing them away or reusing them if they get scratched, as the heat and friction of the dishwasher can spread particles to other utensils. I'm doing it. She also advises against reusing single-use plastics, such as bags and takeout containers, to store food.

Choose natural fiber clothing

Textile products made from synthetic fibers are a frequent and often forgotten source of microplastic exposure, especially when washed and dried. Plastic-free alternatives include natural fibers such as wool, cotton, and linen.

If washing synthetics is unavoidable, there are several ways to minimize the negative impact on the environment, such as washing the entire load, using cold water, and letting it air dry as much as possible.

keep the air clean

Plastic particles often become airborne, such as when they are thrown off by tires.

However, in your home, you can install a HEPA air filter to keep the air clean. Filters capture many particles, but the smallest particles can slip through. Satyanarayana also recommends removing shoes inside the house to prevent dust recirculation.

incomplete solution

Plastic is everywhere, so no amount of individual steps can completely eliminate it from your life. Goddard says it's difficult to even know how much harm existing instructional enhancements will cause. Exposure to plastics is so ubiquitous that it is difficult to find control groups for experiments.

But small steps never hurt. Reducing dependence on plastic has a positive impact on the overall environment. “If you can do these simple things without significantly disrupting your life, you're probably doing something useful,” Goddard says.

Satyanarayana says reducing exposure to plastic is especially important for people who are already vulnerable to health effects, such as children and pregnant women.

But making real progress on the world's plastic problem ultimately requires systemic solutions, and both Goddard and Satyanarayana want governments to step up. The United Nations' Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution is working on what could become a legally binding treaty on plastics, but the scope, particularly the clause requiring reductions in plastic production, is at the mercy of each country. Opinions remain divided.

— Bloomberg