Plastics can be found everywhere in food packaging, clothing, carpets, personal care products, appliances, cars and electronics. However, humans have only used plastic since the 1950s, and there is still much we are learning about this substance. We’ve just recently learned about microplastics, but they’re already spreading across the environment – can we avoid them?
While microplastic exposure cannot be completely eliminated, you can avoid bottled water, prioritize actions such as heating food with plastic, choosing natural fibers, and significantly reduce your intake of microplastics.
Microplastic rising tide
Researchers discover Microplasticsfood, soil, water, and even breathing air, are less than 5 millimeters of plastic fragments. Microplastics Size and configuration vary It can also include a variety of polymers and additives, such as flame retarders, plastic stabilizers, and colorants. Initially, scientists began to find microplastic pollution in marine habitats around the world. Then they began to discover them everywhere, including our bodies.
Microplastics are so small that they can be easily consumed through food, water and air. Recent research estimates that Consumes 74,000 to 121,000 particles per yearwhich is significantly higher than previous estimates, taking into account both food and air exposure. Research in 2024 Microplastics were found in all human placentas tested, and an incredible study published journal Natural Medicine It reported a dramatic increase in microplastic concentrations in the human brain, kidneys, and liver from 2016 to 2024.
The precise health impact of microplastic exposure is becoming more clear through new research. Landmarks 2024 New England Journal of Medicine study People with microplastics in their arterial plaques have a 450% higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. The presence of hazardous chemicals in microplastics raises additional health concerns. Depending on the chemical composition, plastic particles can be made Carry toxic chemicals Heavy metals that can destroy BPA, phthalates, hormonal functions and contribute to cancer, reproductive problems, and other health issues.
Further research will ultimately provide a comprehensive understanding of the health and environmental risks associated with plastics.
Despite many ways to ingest microplastics, Common Sense instructs that it is best to minimize exposure to them. Fortunately, there are relatively simple ways to reduce exposure to microplastics.
Where do microplastics come from?
There are two main sources. Primary and secondary. Major sources, such as glitter, microfibers used in the production of fleece, and microbeads in cosmetics, are often made to be small. In contrast, secondary sauces are large plastic items that break down into small pieces such as ocean plastic bags, straws, and fishing nets.
A key emerging source currently recognized by researchers are tire wear particles. Research shows that Tire wear provides 6 million tons It represents one-third to half of all microplastics that are not released into the environment of microplastics around the world each year. Tire particles can be in the air and can be inhaled or washed into the waterway in the event of rain.
How can I avoid microplastics?
It all starts by identifying how you are taking plastic and lowering this exposure. This can reduce the use of plastic and may have an environmental impact on the plastic. Based on the current research, focus your efforts on these changes that have the greatest impact.
Avoid bottled water
Drinking bottled water is a common way to ingest microplastics. Researchers say drinking only bottled water can be consumed 90,000 plastic particles each year Compared to 4,000 from tap water. Recent studies have confirmed that bottled water contains an average of 94 microplastic particles per liter.
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If you have concerns Tap water quality in your areause a Water filter That might be a good idea. Also, Bottle of water Actual quality is unknown as it is not subject to the same testing requirements as most tap water.
Select your tea bag carefully
You might be surprised that many tea bags are made of plastic. You can pour boiling water on a plastic bag for brew tea Billions of microplastics and nanoparticles Researchers say it’s for tea. Another problem is that synthetic tea bags cannot be composted.
There are two main ways to avoid these issues. One solution is to brew loose tea with a reusable metal or glass strainer. The other thing is to be careful Choose a tea brand that uses natural fibers For their tea bags including Clip Party, Nuni, Tea Republicand Yogitty. Both loose tea and natural fiber tea bags can be added to you Compost pile.
Choose natural flooring products
an Australian research We found that the dust in our home contains a variety of microplastics. This results in a very high risk of babies and toddlers taking it in the air, as they spend more time on the floor than adults. However, floor type and vacuum cleaner frequency influenced particle prevalence and type.
Households with carpets were nearly twice as much petrochemically based fibers, such as polyethylene and polyester, while homes with hard floors had more polyvinyl fibers. Also, vacuuming the floor at least once a week can reduce airborne particles.
Uses natural fibers
Synthetic fibers such as polyester and acrylic are known to produce microplastics, so choosing natural fibers for clothing and household items can help reduce air exposure. Therefore, choose carpets, clothing, bedding and towels that contain natural fibers whenever possible.
moreover, Synthetic fabricextreme fleece, etc. Shed Microplastic Fibers In water while washing. This may not directly affect your exposure, but it increases the presence of microplastics in the environment.
When washing synthetic fabrics like Polar Fleece, they soak microplastic fibers in water. To minimize this environmental impact, consider using a laundry bag to catch microfibers, choosing cold water, which is less frequent in synthetic clothing.
Avoid certain types of seafood
Unfortunately, the marine environment is contaminated with microplastics, which also contaminates several types of seafood. especially, Small fish eating whole and bivalvesThere is particularly concern, such as clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, and more. Reduce consumption of these types of seafood and reduce exposure.
Consider mitigation rather than balancing microplastic exposure with health benefits by completely eliminating the consumption of these nutritionally valuable foods.
Do not heat food with plastic
Research shows that Heat food or water with plastic It releases more fine particles. Therefore, avoid microwave food with plastic or wash plastic in the dishwasher. Similarly, putting Hot food on a plastic dish Additionally, using plastic cooking utensils such as plastic spatulas can cause concern.
Glass and metal make great alternatives. Do not place metal items in the microwave. Metal or wooden cooking utensils are a great alternative to plastic ones.
Reduces exposure to tire particles
Tire wear particles are currently recognized as a Main causes of microplastic pollutioncontributes to the airborne particles we suck in. To reduce exposure:
- Instead of driving, walk or bike if possible.
- Use public transport to minimize overall tire wear.
- Inflate your car’s tires properly to reduce unnecessary wear.
- If possible, do not walk along with busy roads or exercise in person.
Beware of take-out containers
Research Show For those who order takeout 4-7 times a week, May Consumes 12-203 microplastic particles From plastic food containers. When picking up food or choosing a restaurant that uses compostable paper packaging, consider bringing a glass take-out container.
Special considerations for parents
Research published in Environment and health It showed that bottled babies could ingest approximately 660,000 microplastic particles each year. Breastfeeding is ideal, but when bottling, do not sterilize steam-sterilized plastic bottles. This breaks down the plastic and releases more particles. Glass or stainless steel bottles are a safer alternative.
What is going on?
The European Union is leading global efforts to address microplastic pollution, introducing the world’s first restrictions on tire wear particles and brake emissions under the Euro 7 regulations.
On a global scale, the most important regulatory initiatives are United Nations Global Plastics Conventionlaunched negotiations with the ambitious goal of creating the world’s first legally binding international agreement to end plastic pollution. March 2022, 175 countries agreed This treaty will develop from production to disposal into the complete life cycle of plastics. However, after five rounds of negotiations, The talks stalled in December 2024. In Busan, South Korea, oil producers and plastic manufacturers are blocking binding proposals for production restrictions.
Key anchoring points include globally suppressing plastic production and banning certain toxic chemicals used in plastics or phased out problematic single-use products. Over 100 countries “High Ambition Union” Major oil and plastic countries prefer a voluntary approach focusing solely on waste management, while supporting binding measures. Negotiations are scheduled to resume August 2025 Genevawhich means that the final contract is behind the original 2024 target. The results have a significant impact on global microplastic pollution levels as plastic production is predicted. Triple by 2060 No intervention.
Researchers are also investigating promising technologies, including improved plastic edestering microorganisms and recycling methods, despite the ongoing development of these solutions.
The whole picture
Current research suggests microplastic concentrations in the environment and our bodies, It’s increasing rapidly.
While it is not possible to eliminate exposure to microplastics without using a time machine, reducing or eliminating some of the biggest perpetrators is a big step. The above strategies can significantly reduce exposure by avoiding bottled water, avoiding plastic heated foods, and providing the most important impact. Further scientific research will also help you make more informed decisions about reducing exposure.
While individual behavior is important, addressing microplastic pollution ultimately requires systematic changes in the way plastics are produced, used and disposed of. Supporting policies that reduce plastic production and improve waste management can create a wider impact that reaches far beyond individual efforts to limit individual exposure.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on May 11, 2022 and was significantly updated in May 2025.
