Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size. Studies suggest that we consume thousands of microplastic particles yearly. Scientists have linked microplastic exposure to a series of health conditions. These include cancer, severe immune reactions, and reproductive disorders.
Chemicals and plastics can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or direct contact, so being mindful of what common, everyday items may allow for exposure through these routes can make a difference.
Microplastics! 8 Steps To Limit Your Exposure
Follow these steps to get rid of microplastics in your body
- Prioritize a healthy, plastic-free diet
The following food is known to help your body’s natural detoxification abilities:
- Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or cauliflower increase the body’s natural detoxification.
- Leafy greens like spinach and kale contain chlorophyll, which may have positive effects
- Citrus fruits contain antioxidants and vitamin C, which can help to flush toxins
- Garlic contains sulfur, which can help activate liver enzymes
- Ginger and Turmeric have positive effects on digestion and anti-inflammatory properties
- Green tea contains so-called polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Make sure you choose bulk tea, as some tea bags are associated with releasing microplastics.
- Berries are also rich in antioxidants and contain healthy vitamins
- A fiber-rich diet and grains like chia and flax help bowel movement and support digestion
- Staying hydrated is equally important to help your body flush out the toxins
- Additionally, try to avoid high-risk food.
You can opt for organic food, which is less exposed to industrial fertilizers containing microplastics.
Some seafood is also more exposed to microplastics than others. Mollusks like clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops for example have the highest levels of microplastics recorded.
- Transform your cooking space
One of the main sources of microplastic consumption in your home is your kitchen.
Tupperware, bakeware, and plates made of plastic, they are releasing chemicals and microplastics if exposed to food.
Plastics contain dangerous chemicals like Nickel, Antimony, or Ethylbenzene. They cause severe health problems from skin irritation to cancer.
Another major source of microplastics in the kitchen is your dishwashing items. Shocking studies reveal that plastic sponges and brushes release significant microplastics. These stick to your tableware and later are consumed.
Choose natural kitchen brushes and natural loofah sponges instead, a perfect alternative, without adding to your plastic diet.
- Avoid plastic takeout
A lot of takeout food still comes packed in plastic. With the exposure to heat and fat, plastic containers like the ones made of Styrofoam release increased amounts of microplastics and chemicals.
By bringing your containers made of glass or aluminum, you can avoid these effects.
Additionally, keep a reusable water bottle and coffee mug with you to fill them on the go if needed.
Naturally, plastic straws and plastic cutlery should also be avoided.
- Avoid single-use plastic
In addition to avoiding contaminated food, you should try to limit the exposure of your groceries to plastic packaging and bags.
Keep a reusable bag or backpack near the door and take the loose produce in reusable produce bags. If you forgot your bags at home, at least go for the paper option.
Take a glass bottle instead of a plastic bottle and take paper packaging wherever you can.
Taking the fresh meat or fish from the counter instead of the prepacked one can also limit your exposure.
If you cannot find specific items without plastic, bulk stores and markets can be great alternatives to the regular grocery store.
- Avoid canned foods
Where possible, avoid canned foods, which are often lined with plastic.
You should find most canned products also in a glass container instead, which is safer to use.
If there is no glass option, check the product label and avoid producers that use BPA in their linings.
- Try a plastic-free personal care routine
Many cosmetics and personal care products still contain microplastics.
For example, a study showed that 50% of sampled toothpastes contained microplastics.
Manufacturers add these microbeads on purpose! The same applies to other personal care products, where manufacturers add microplastics for abrasion or texture.
Look for the “Zero Plastic Inside” logo and search the publicly available information.
There are also databases to check your products for plastic. You will find many alternatives for all personal care and plastic-free skin care products.
- Avoid microplastics in drinking water
Plastic water bottles are one of the main contributors to microplastics in the human body.
Studies show that 93% of bottled water contains microplastics. With every single liter (33 oz) of bottled water, we consume 10 particles of microplastics.
With a water filter, you can remove or significantly reduce the exposure to these materials.
- Eco-friendly clothing and laundry
The fast fashion industry is responsible for more than 30% of global plastic production and a majority of global microplastics.
Choosing natural materials like cotton for your clothing can not only reduce the massive plastic footprint of the fashion industry. It can also reduce microplastics created by abrasion and limit your exposure in the household.
Microfiber clothing can be shed during the washing cycle. This releases microplastics into the water and leaves residues in your washing machine.
Microfiber filters can prevent microplastic pollution from laundry and protect both, your health and nature.
Eco-friendly laundry can limit the exposure to these sheds and even save you money.
We should avoid plastic wherever we can. As consumers we have the power to avoid consumption of products, we deem unsafe.