The Tamesis
If you’ve watched Netflix Plastic detox Lately, you might be shocked by how everywhere these tiny plastic particles, called microplastics, seem to be.
“No one has articulated a cause-and-effect relationship between microplastics and negative health outcomes, but there is a growing body of evidence, and I think that’s why we’re talking about it now,” said Dr. Charis Chambers, an ob-gyn and Clue’s chief medical officer. Microplastics may act as endocrine disruptors (chemicals that disrupt hormones) and remain in the body. While research is still ongoing, findings so far suggest links to fertility issues, metabolism and hormonal health. Additionally, they can cause inflammation and irritation to our organs. Microplastics are found in breast milk, placenta, uterine lining and even ovaries and enter our bodies through ingestion (what we eat and drink), inhalation and skin contact, Chambers said. It’s difficult to pinpoint a specific cause, she noted, because microplastics often appear alongside other endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
It can be a confusing sight—not to mention that microplastics are almost inevitable because they are everywhere. “They’re in our soil and water, so even if we buy a product that the manufacturer says [contain none]they really have no control over what ends up in your hands,” Chambers said.
Small changes can make a difference, though, so here, Fashion Here are some ways to help limit your exposure to microplastics.
drink tap water
Maybe it’s time to rethink bottled water. Whether due to the bottle being exposed to heat or sunlight, sitting on a shelf for long periods of time, or simply being squeezed, plastic particles can leach into the water and then into the body of the drinker.
“Tap water is generally better,” explains Dr. Federica Amati, chief nutritionist at Zoe. “However, the quality of water varies from area to area and although it is safe from a bacterial and viral perspective, it can still contain microplastics, permanent chemicals such as PFAS, hormones and other harmful substances such as cocaine, especially in London. Don’t panic though, it’s still better than other drinks on offer.”
So use a reusable stainless steel bottle to stay hydrated on the go, and for extra safety, invest in a home water filter. “All water filters filter out toxins to some extent,” Amati points out. “But the best filter is a reverse osmosis filter, which also removes microplastics and permanent chemicals.”
Replace Tupperware and plasticware
Likewise, particles in plastic food containers such as Tupperware can leach into food, impact metabolic health, damage mitochondria in human colon cells, and even increase the risk of heart failure. Black plastic trays used for microwavable dinners are one of the worst problems.
“They are often made from recycled electrical equipment, which means they are treated with flame-retardant chemicals,” Amati said. “These compounds, along with microplastics, end up in our food when we heat them.”
Consider your kitchenware: If your containers, food packaging, cups, cutlery and cutting boards are plastic, try switching to glass, stainless steel or ceramic if possible. If you still have plastic in your kitchen, try to avoid mixing it with heat sources.
Rethink nonstick pans
If you are currently using a non-stick pan (such as Teflon), you are exposing yourself to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which creates the coating. Although PTFE is not initially a microplastic, using pots with metal utensils, grinding sponges, and high temperatures can cause it to chip and peel, often releasing microplastics into food.
