How To Avoid Microplastics

Microplastics are literally everywhere.  They’re in the air.  They’re in the water.  And they’re in our food.  So it stands to reason, they’re also in our bodies.  They’ve been found in human blood, brains, lungs, fetal tissue, and breast milk. Smaller than a grain of rice, they break down to nanoplastics which measure less a micrometer long.  These tiny plastic particles have been shown to have numerous effects on our health such as hormonal disturbances, DNA damage, fetal abnormalities, and links to cancer and dementia.  So how do we avoid them? 

Air out your spaces. Nano plastics are found in indoor dust, so throw open the windows.  Give indoor air a chance to cycle outward, and new outside air to enter.  Microplastics accumulate in our homes from the shedding of synthetic textiles like polyester clothing and linens.  To reduce accumulation, dust often with a damp rag rather than a feather duster which just moves dust from one location to another.  And vacuum often, preferably with a HEPA filtered vacuum.

Choose natural fiber clothing and linens over synthetic textiles whenever possible.  Fabrics like polyester, acrylic, and polar fleece are made with petroleum derivatives.  These textiles are constantly shedding microplastic particles which are then inhaled by us. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool, and silk have been around for thousands of years, and they come with additional benefits.  Wool is not only warm, but water resistant.  Linen is cool and breathable, and makes great clothing and bedding in warm climates. Silk is considered luxurious, but its’s also strong, and soft.  And cotton is the gold standard for comfort and breathability.  It gets softer and more comfortable as you wear it and wash it.  “What The Fluff” t-shirt. 100% cotton.

Choose non-plastic products whenever possible.  Heated plastic leaches into whatever it touches or contains—whether it’s a plastic food container heated in the microwave, or a water bottle sitting in the sun.  Remove microwavable food from plastic containers and heat it in glass or ceramic, and use a glass or metal personal water bottle instead of plastic.  Eliminating single-use plastics is also better for the environment.  Be aware of take-out food containers that have a plastic lining.  And try using aluminum foil, bee’s wax baggies, or compostable bags in place of plastic wrap.  Also avoid plastic cutting boards and other plastic kitchen utensils. Generally speaking, wood, glass, stainless steel, and ceramic are all better choices.

Improve your tap water.  Microplastics also come out of our faucets because they’re in source water. Currently, the best fix is a home filtration system.  Go big with an under-counter system, medium with a counter-top reverse-osmosis product, or small with a pitcher fitted with a microplastic-specific filter.  Several options are available—in the usual places—but Brita’s “Elite” filter and pitcher set-up is a popular option.

They’re in us, so how do we get them out?  Ironically, you can drink more water. Staying hydrated supports your kidneys, whose job it is to filter blood and remove waste as urine.  Eat more fiber for regular bowel movements.  And sweat often—the gym, a sauna, Hawaii?  Lastly, you can donate blood which has numerous health benefits including improved cardiovascular function.  But awareness the first step, so if you’re reading this you’re on your way!