Microplastics are everywhere: in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. They accumulate in clothes, cosmetics, fabric and dust.
It's almost impossible to avoid microplastics in today's world, so it makes sense that they are have been found in human blood and saliva, as well as in the liver, kidneys and placenta. That's especially surprising because they're small — microplastics are less than 5 millimeters and nanoplastics are under 1 micrometer.
However, studies suggest that these tiny particles can be harmful with all kinds of health consequences. Even worse, they're already in your home, but there are some things you can do to be more proactive about your health. Before you cook your next meal, let's head into the kitchen and see which items may be secretly hiding microplastics among your food and cookware.
The health effects of microplastics
Microplastics have become a serious pollution problem, but now scientists are also concerned about potential health effects. It is estimated 22,000,000 micro and nanoplastics are inhaled by humans every year, largely because they are so difficult to avoid. You can be exposed to microplastics in three ways: inhalation, ingestion or touch.
Microplastics are shown to cause a number of problems in the human body. Microplastics and nanoplastics found in blood vessels were connected to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and, in more severe cases, even death. Tissue inflammation, cell death, and lung and liver effects all are noted. In animals and marine life, it can also cause oxidative and DNA damage, as well as cancer. The mice were shown to have reduced sperm counts, ovarian scarring and inherited metabolic disorders.
Studies are ongoing, as the exact effects of microplastics are still unknown, but the studies so far have been sobering. They're inspiring many home cooks to rethink what they put in their kitchens—and in their bodies.
Hiding places for microplastics in your kitchen
Unfortunately, microplastics are more common than you think. These are some places they might be hiding in your kitchen.
Non-stick cookware
A new study found that plastic and non-stick cookware released microplastics in the food during cooking, which significantly increases exposure to these potentially harmful contaminants. Australian researchers assessment that Teflon-coated cookware contains thousands, perhaps millions, of microplastic particles, while a simple crack or fracture in your pan can mean exposure to over two million microplastic particles.
Plastic containers for food
Your Uber delivery can inadvertently harm your health and has nothing to do with what you order. With the rise of home delivery services, plastic containers are more common than ever, but these containers can easily be added microplastics in your food when it is heated or washed. A study found that all reusable plastic takeout containers commonly used by restaurants contain microplastics.
Plastic utensil
Research shows that just like plastic dishes, so do plastic utensils release of microplastics in your food, especially when used with warmer foods. When you ingest your food, you also ingest microplastics that settle in your body and bloodstream.
Tea bags
It may come as a surprise, but microplastics may be hiding in your tea bags. When you brew tea, the bag is exposed to extremely high temperatures which can be released its microplastics. This comes from polypropylene, a key component in the production of tea bags. Researchers from Spain's Autonomous University of Barcelona discovered that billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles are released of one tea bag for every millimeter of water in which it is immersed.
Spices in plastic packaging
That bottle of pop could be full of microplastics, depending on how it's packaged. Many spices today use plastic packaging, which is worrying because a recent study found microplastics in all plastic containers tested. This can result in food contamination, something that increased in recent decades.
Plastic straws
Plastic straws are of particular concern because studies show that they release microplastics and nanoplastics. They can then be inhaled directly. Unfortunately, plastic straws are extremely widespread, with an estimated eight million metric tons of plastic found in waterways every year. Once these straws and other plastics are in the water, they can affect not only the water, but also the soil and the animals that live in it.
Canned Food Liners
BPA was a controversial material used in the production of canned food coatings that can cause serious health effects. Today, non-BPA acrylic or polyester epoxies are more commonly used, but they have not been proven safe because they also contain microplastics.
Substitution of kitchenware materials to reduce microplastic ingestion
Fortunately, you have alternatives. Before you don your apron, consider adding these items to your kitchen to reduce your risk of exposure to microplastics.
Wooden or stainless spatulas
There are alternatives to plastic cookware. Consider trying a a set of wooden utensils or made of stainless steel. This can significantly reduce your exposure to microplastics as you upgrade your used utensils.
Glass or stainless steel food containers
You can't do much about how restaurants choose to package their food, but you can avoid using them in the future. At home, try to stick to glass, ceramic and stainless steel containers that skip the microplastics.
Utensils made of wood or stainless steel
Instead of plastic utensils, try using stainless steel utensils which can be better for the body as well as the environment. Wooden utensils can also be a great replacement, as they work as a more eco-friendly option for your kitchen.
Loose leaf teas or tea infusers instead of tea bags
Tea bags can be filled with plastic, but a safer alternative could be loose tea leaves. Many companies these days offer loose leaf tea that can be used with a stainless steel strainer or infuser, which works just like a tea bag but can be much healthier.
Buying spices in bulk or in glass containers instead of plastic packaging
To avoid potential contamination from your spices, switch to glass or ceramic containers instead. This allows your spices to stay on your shelf without being infused with potentially harmful microplastics that can get into your food.
Reusable metal or bamboo straws instead of plastic straws
Plastic straws are harmful to both the environment and your body, causing a serious problem for both of you. A better alternative would be metal or bamboo straws that can be washed and reused. Even paper straws can be a better alternative than plastic ones.
Opt for fresh or frozen produce instead of canned foods to avoid plastic wraps
Plastic liners in canned foods can hold microplastics, so to eliminate your exposure, look for foods packaged in glass instead. You can also choose to use fresh and frozen foods and products that skip the packaging altogether.
Cast iron, carbon steel or stainless steel cookware
Plastic dishes are common in many kitchens, but there are alternatives. Products like stainless steel pans, frying pans and cast iron pans all of which can be a great way to upgrade your cookware without risking further exposure to microplastics.
Too long, I didn't read
Microplastics can lurk in our kitchens, hide in our dishes and utensils, and make their way into our food. Although studies continue, microplastics have been proven to cause damage to the human body, raising huge concerns about the products we use and the materials used to make them. However, hope is not lost. With a few simple changes, you can reduce your exposure to microplastics and thereby better protect your health.