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 is nearly impossible to avoid microplastics in today’s world, so it makes sense that they have been found in human blood and saliva, as well as the liver, kidneys and placenta. It is especially surprising because they are tiny — microplastics are less than 5 millimeters, and nanoplastics are under 1 micrometer.
However, studies suggest that these tiny particles could be harmful with all sorts of health consequences. Worse, they are 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 to the kitchen and see which items may be secretly hiding microplastics among your food and cookware.
Health effects of microplastics
Microplastics have become a serious problem for pollution, but now scientists worry about the potential health effects too. An estimated 22,000,000 micro and nanoplastics are inhaled by humans each year, and that is largely because they are so hard to avoid. You can be exposed to microplastics in three ways: inhalation, ingestion or touch.
Microplastics have been shown to cause a number of issues in the human body. Microplastics and nanoplastics found in blood vessels have been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and, in more severe cases, even death. Tissue inflammation, cell death and lung and liver impacts have all been noted. In animals and marine life, it can also cause oxidative and DNA damage, as well as cancer. Mice were shown to have reduced sperm count, ovarian scarring and hereditary metabolic disorders.
Studies continue as much is still unknown about the exact effects of microplastics, but studies so far have been sobering. They are inspiring many home chefs to reconsider what they are putting in their kitchen – and in their bodies.
Places microplastics hide in your kitchen
Unfortunately, microplastics are more common than you think. These are some places they may be hiding in your kitchen.
Non-stick cookware
A new study found that plastic and non-stick cookware released microplastics into food during cooking, greatly heightening one’s exposure to these potentially harmful pollutants. Australian researchers estimate that Teflon-coated cookware contains thousands, maybe millions, of microplastic particles, while a simple crack or fracture in your pan could mean exposure to over two million microplastic particles.
Plastic food containers
Your Uber delivery could inadvertently be damaging your health, and it 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 add microplastics into your food when heated or washed. One study found that all reusable plastic takeout containers typically used by restaurants contain microplastics.
Plastic utensils
Studies show that like plastic cookware, plastic utensils release microplastics into your food, especially when used with hotter foods. When you ingest the food, you also ingest microplastics that settle into your body and bloodstream.
Tea bags
It may come as a surprise, but microplastics could be hiding in your tea bags. When you brew tea, the bag is exposed to extremely high temperatures that can release its microplastics. This comes from polypropylene, a key component in the manufacturing of tea bags. Researchers at Spain’s Autonomous University of Barcelona found that billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles are released from a single tea bag for every millimeter of water it is submerged in.
Spices in plastic packaging
That bottle of paprika could be full of microplastics, depending on how it is packaged. Many spices today use plastic packaging, which is concerning because one recent study found microplastics in all plastic containers tested. This can result in food contamination, something that has increased in recent decades.
Plastic straws
Plastic straws are especially concerning because studies show that they release microplastics and nanoplastics. These can then be directly inhaled. Unfortunately, plastic straws are extremely prevalent, with about eight million metric tons of plastic found in waterways each year. Once these straws and other plastics are in the water, they can affect not just the water but also the soil and animals found in it.
Canned food linings
BPA was a controversial material used in the manufacturing of canned food linings that could cause serious health effects. Today, non-BPA acrylic or polyester epoxies are more commonly used, but these are not proven safe either as they too contain microplastics.
Material swaps for kitchen items to reduce microplastic ingestion
Luckily, you have alternatives. Before putting on your apron, consider adding these items to your kitchen to lower your risk of exposure to microplastics.
Wooden or stainless spatulas
There are alternatives to plastic cooking utensils. Consider trying out a wooden utensil set or one made from stainless steel. This can significantly reduce your exposure to microplastics while upgrading 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.
Wooden or stainless steel utensils
Instead of plastic utensils, try to use stainless steel utensils that can be better for the body and also the environment. Wooden utensils can also be a great substitute, working 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 plastics, but a safer alternative could be loose tea leaves. Many companies these days offer loose tea leaves that can be used with a stainless steel strainer or infuser, which works the same as 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 packaging instead. This allows your spices to remain on your shelf without being infused with potentially harmful microplastics that can seep into your food.
Reusable metal or bamboo straws instead of plastic straws
Plastic straws take a toll on both the environment and your body, causing a serious issue for both. 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 over canned foods to avoid plastic linings
Plastic linings in canned food can hold microplastics, so to eliminate your exposure, look for foods that are packaged in glass instead. You can also opt to use fresh and frozen foods and produce that skips the packaging altogether.
Cast iron, carbon steel or stainless steel cookware
Plastic cookware is common in many kitchens, but there are alternatives. Products like stainless steel skillets, frying pans and cast iron pans can all be great ways to upgrade your cookware without risking further exposure to microplastics.
Too long, didn’t read
Microplastics can lurk in our kitchens, hiding in our cookware and utensils and making their way into our food. Though studies continue, microplastics have been shown to cause damage to the human body, causing huge concerns over 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, thus better protecting your health.
