By Susan Wineland
Orange Recycling Committee
Let’s face it: those tiny pieces of plastic called microplastics and nanoplastics have been found in everything from drinking water to fried chicken, cauliflower and apples. Sadly, these pervasive pollutants have been linked to numerous diseases such as heart disease, lung disease and other health issues.
Although it’s nearly impossible to avoid all microplastic ingestion, scientists and doctors have some tips on how we can lower our exposure to microplastics and their chemicals from water, food and air.
Avoid bottled water because it’s been found to be a concentrated source of microplastics. Consider carrying a reusable steel or glass bottle or tumbler when out and about. In addition, you will be reducing the amount of plastics being produced in the first place. Get a National Sanitation Foundation-certified water filter if you are concerned that tap water contains contaminants.
Don’t use plastic to store food. Plastic food storage and packaging is so common that it’s difficult to avoid entirely. But the safest bet is to avoid storing food or liquid in plastic when possible and to minimize exposing any plastic (even those that say they’re BPA-free or microwave-safe) to high heat. Sunlight, acids and physical erosion can also degrade plastic.
Don’t reuse single-use plastics for food and drinks. It’s great to reuse single-use plastic – just not for food. Unless you’re using the plastic in the freezer, save it for something that isn’t food storage or reheating. Also, don’t microwave in plastic. Avoid microwaving or heating food or water in plastic – even if it says it’s microwave-safe. Instead, consider glass or ceramic food storage containers. Dishwasher temperatures run very hot and can degrade plastic – even dishwasher-safe plastic – which can lead to microplastic shedding. Try instead to wash your plastic food containers by hand.
Use wood or bamboo cutting boards. Research suggests that plastic cutting boards can be a significant source of microplastics in our diet since repeated cutting on their surface can dislodge particles that adhere to food. Wood cutting boards also have some other advantages. They’re better for your knife blades and last longer than plastic when properly maintained.
The air we breathe is also a potential source of microplastics in the form of dust. We can reduce airborne dust by seasonal cleaning of fans and AC unit filters and changing HVAC filters. Getting an air purifier can also clean the air. Trees, shrubs and indoor plants aren’t just pretty to look at – they can purify the air and soil in and around our homes as well. They all absorb carbon dioxide and gaseous air pollutants while releasing oxygen for us to breathe. Tree leaves and bark also help capture harmful particulate matter in the air. Add some air-purifying house plants like aloe vera, rubber tree, snake plant, philodendron, pothos and others that are low-maintenance and helpful at removing toxins.
Avoid microwaving or heating infant formula in plastic polypropylene. Babies may swallow high levels of tiny plastics due to the high temperatures used to sterilize bottles and prepare formula as well as shaking the bottles to mix. Consider premixing the formula in a glass container then cooling it down before transferring it to the feeding bottle.
Rinse heat-sterilized plastic bottles before adding formula or breastmilk. If using heat to sterilize plastic bottles, let them cool, then rinse them several times before filling them with formula or breastmilk. Consider glass or silicon over plastic bottles.
Given the growing body of evidence about the negative effects of microplastic contamination, it’s possible that we’ll start to see more public health measures that address this pollution. Until then, we can and should take some steps to reduce our microplastic exposure.
Susan Wineland is a member of the Orange Recycling Committee.