These everyday household items can leach microplastics into your diet.
Microplastics are difficult to track because they are widespread.
These tiny particles, which come from the breakdown of larger plastics, have been linked to heart attacks, infertility and cancer, and recent studies suggest they may also reduce sperm count.
A 2019 Canadian study found that humans ingest up to 52,000 microplastic particles per year.
last month, Microplastics German environmental group Clean Hub said searches had surged and its Google Trends score had reached a record high of 100.
a study The University of New Mexico study has sparked global interest, with many seeking more information on how microplastics get into the body and how to reduce or remove them.
These particles are environmentHowever, there are many causes that contribute to their presence, and the alternatives that can help you avoid them start in the kitchen.
Top 5 products to avoid to reduce your exposure to microplastics and their alternatives
5. Plastic cutting boards can transfer microplastics to your food
A cutting board alone could expose a person to up to 79.4 million polypropylene particles. Microplastics According to a study by the American Chemical Society (ACS), 100 million tons of “albuquerque,” a type of plastic polymer, kills people every year.
this is, plastic Cutting boards can increase the chances of microplastics transferring into food.
Tempered glass cutting boards are an affordable alternative, are easy to clean and typically free of microplastics.
Some brands offer plastic-free cutting boards made from durable paper fibers.
4. Microwave-safe food containers may release microplastics when heated.
“microwave oven Even foods advertised as “safe” can release large amounts of microplastics into the food when heated.
A 2023 study by researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that certain “microwave-safe” plastic-packaged baby foods contained up to 4 million microplastic particles per square centimeter.
Microscopic examination showed that the particles killed up to 75 percent of cultured kidney cells, raising concerns about their potential impact on the human body. health.
Another good habit is to avoid products with chemicals like phthalates, styrene, and bisphenol. Chemical substance According to a paper from the American Academy of Pediatrics, it may be linked to a variety of plastics.
3. How to remove microplastics from ice
Microplastics Bottled waterPlastic ice cube trays can also be a source of contamination.
Although there is little research, freezing plastic Microplastics According to an associate professor interviewed by HealthCentral, it could leach into water, similar to what happens with heated plastic.
Stainless steel ice cube trays have become popular in recent years as a more sustainable option, as they not only improve the appearance of your drink, but they also chill faster, so they freeze faster.
Similarly, silicone ice cube trays are promoted as a sustainable alternative that many people consider healthier and easier to make ice with.
2. Why paper cups are not a sustainable choice
Paper cup Although they’re supposed to be more environmentally friendly, they’re also a surprising contributor to plastic pollution: These cups require a sealant layer, usually up to 10 percent high-density polyethylene (HDPE), to prevent liquids from leaking out.
recycling The production of paper cups is problematic as the HDPE layer needs to be separated from the paper, making the process complicated.
But that’s not all: as highlighted by a study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials in 2021, using paper cups for hot drinks can release a range of chemicals, including fluorides, chlorides, sulfates and nitrates.
select Reusable Stainless steel flasks are not only environmentally friendly, they also reduce your exposure to microplastics.
1. Tea bags can contaminate your morning tea with microplastics
Surprisingly, many tea bag They’re made from unsustainable polypropylene plastic, and even paper tea bags can contain traces of plastic in the sealant.
This is often not biodegradable. Microplastics pollution.
A study published by Dow University of Health Sciences in 2023 raised concerns that the boiling water used to brew tea could release millions of microplastics from teabags, and found that a cup of tea could contain up to 3.1 billion nanoplastics due to the teabag.
Tea bags may contain other harmful substances such as fluoride compounds, arsenic, radium salts, aluminum, copper, lead, mercury, cadmium, barium and nitrates.
Luckily, loose leaf tea is becoming popular again, and there are plenty of sustainable alternatives for brewing it. teaFor example, using a cast iron teapot or a metal strainer.
The Plastic Pollution Coalition recommends using cotton tea bags or straining tea leaves through organic linen.
With these small adjustments, you can reduce the risk of microplastic pollution in your kitchen. article.