Nina Agrawal reports for The New York Times on the build-up of microplastics in our blood and tissues. Microplastics are super tiny plastics that come from the plastic containers we eat and drink from, among many other objects present in our lives.
In addition to accumulating microplastics in our systems from food and drink, we absorb microplastics from plastic tubing, packaging, phones, sunscreen, cosmetics and clothes. They also line aluminum and paper containers. You can steer clear of some of these microplastics sources. But, there’s no avoiding the microplastics in our air, soil and water.
To some extent, our bodies eliminate microplastics. But, what we don’t excrete can end up living in our liver and brains. The latest thinking is that we have a plastic spoon’s worth of microplastics in our brains. No one yet fully understands how it is affecting us, but it can affect our health, including our reproductive systems.
How to minimize your intake of microplastics?
- Avoid drinking from plastic bottles, particularly ones that have been exposed to the sun or other heat sources.
- Avoid putting food in plastic containers when using the microwave. Use ceramic containers.
- Store food in glass and stainless steel containers.
- Avoid eating ultraprocessed foods, including meat and fish. Eat fresh fruits and veggies.
- Use an air purifier.
- Clean surfaces in your home with water, to wash away microplastics.
- Before wearing synthetic clothing, wash the clothing to eliminate microplastics in the manufacturing process. Wear natural fibers, such as cotton and silk.
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