You’ve probably heard about microplastics in the news lately. These tiny plastic pieces — smaller than a grain of rice, and sometimes so small you can’t see them — are showing up everywhere: in our food, water, and even the air we breathe. But should you really be worried?
According to Jennifer Newton, nutrition coordinator at Sky Lakes’ Wellness Center, the answer is yes. “We know microplastics are bad,” she says. Research shows these particles have become ubiquitous throughout the environment, and humans constantly ingest and inhale them.
What Makes Microplastics Harmful?
These microscopic plastic particles can enter your body and potentially cause cellular damage, increase cancer risk, and contribute to heart problems, reproductive issues, hormone disruption, and immune system problems.
Ms. Newton puts microplastics on par with other major health concerns such as added sugar and saturated fat. “Based on what we’re learning about microplastics, it definitely puts it up there,” she says. “As we learn more, I might put it to the very top of the list of things for us to be concerned about.”
Where Are We Getting Exposed?
You encounter microplastics through multiple sources every day. You breathe them in from the air, drink them in water, and eat them in food. Some surprising sources include:
- Tea bags: A single plastic tea bag (like those triangular ones) can release approximately 11.6 billion microplastics into one cup of tea when brewed with boiling water.
- Food packaging: Plastic contamination can occur when unwrapping deli meat or vegetables, or opening milk and juice cartons.
- Heated plastic containers: Heat causes plastic to break down faster, releasing more particles into your food and drinks.
Simple Steps to Reduce Your Exposure
The good news? You can take steps to lower your microplastic intake. Ms. Newton recommends focusing on two key areas: “Drinking out of something other than plastic and storing and reheating in something other than plastic.”
Here are some more practical changes she says you can make:
- Switch your containers: Use glass, ceramic, or stainless steel for food storage and reheating.
- Change your water bottle: Choose glass or metal instead of plastic.
- Filter your tap water: Even though your filter might be plastic (like a Brita), you’ll still reduce overall exposure.
- Try loose-leaf tea: Ditch the tea bags for loose leaves.
- Update your cookware: Replace non-stick pans with cast iron or stainless steel.
- Use wooden or silicone utensils: Avoid plastic spoons and spatulas when cooking. (Silicone is BPA-free.)
Awareness Is Key
While we’re still learning about microplastics’ long-term effects, the evidence suggests they deserve your attention. Ms. Newton emphasizes that awareness is key, just like reading nutrition labels for added sugars.
“We can be mindful about some of our choices to help lower our exposure,” she says. “You don’t need to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight. Start with one or two changes and build from there.”
