Microplastics are everywhere: from your heart and brain and reproductive organs to inside pinguins in Antartica and the air we breathe…. babies are born pre polluted with microplastics and, while research on why microplastics are harmful to humans is somewhat new, we already know a lot: and its not good.
We know that at a cellular level microplastics in our bodies are linked to:
Increase in Oxidative stress which will damage cells.
• Inflammation — immune reactions triggered by particles.
• Mitochondrial dysfunction — impaired energy production in cells.
• DNA damage and genotoxicity — potential disruption to genetic material.
Particles accumulate in the gut, disrupting gut barrier function and microbiota balance (dysbiosis).
Tiny plastics have been found in human arterial plaques — preliminary studies suggest a higher risk of heart attack and stroke when plastics are present.
MPs/NPs often carry chemical additives and pollutants (e.g., BPA, phthalates) known to interfere with hormones and metabolic signaling
We have little say in microplastic exposure when you are out and about (although there are always ways to reduce your exposure even outside the home) but at home we have more power… however a lot of us dont even realize HOW MUCH plastic is inside our homes. Micro and nanoplastic sources are not limited to plastic food containers in the kitchen. In many homes the brunt of exposure is from some of our everyday favorites that make home home: polyester and synthetic fabrics that make up most area rugs, window treatments, cozy blankets, pollows, upholstery. Beyond these big ticket items here are 5 often overlooked items that, depending on your usage and habits, could be exposing you to high levels of micro and nano plastics every single day…. along with easy switches for them.
Toothbrush: The nylon bristles are responsible for releasing an estimated 30 to 120 microplastic particles during a single brushing session. This adds up to roughly 88,000 particles shed into your mouth and the water supply every year For zero microplastics you need to brush with a boar bristle brush . (there is a super popular electric brush on social media called the Suri it is made of bristles that are crafted from castor oil.. the good news is these require ZERO petroleum based plastic BUT it is wrong to say they release zero microplastics because they are still a polymer (PLA is a plastic just not a plastic that comes from petroleum) and thus will shed some microplastics. Per their own website: “Yes, SURI plant-based bristles can still experience mechanical wear and shed microscopic particles during brushing, but they are made from renewable castor oil and cornstarch biopolymers (PLA) rather than fossil fuels. While they reduce petroleum dependence and lifecycle waste, they are not entirely free from shedding microscopic fragments under standard physical friction. Are microplastics from PLA less harmful than microplastics from petroleum based plastic? Maybe? I would imagine, but that doesnt mean they are not harmful… I havent seen any studies so honestly cannot say for sure
Velvet hangers: Velvet hangers release hundreds (thousands?) of micro and nano plastics every time you grab a piece of clothing from them or hang something on them….. that daily friction is the problem. Better options here and for kids here
Chewing gum: A standard piece of gum is anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 grams, which means you’d be ingesting 900 to 1,500 microplastic particles, on average, every time you pop a fresh piece.“Gum base” as an ingredient is a red flag because it can contain various polymers, plasticizers, resins, waxes, softeners, antioxidants, and other ingredients. Sometimes it can refer to natural ingredients, like chicle, but more often than not it is referencing petroleum-based ingredients like polyvinyl acetate and/or polyisobutylene. Choose one that uses natural chicle tree sap, organic cane sugar, and natural mint oils like Milliways and Simply Gum
Stuffed animals: 99% of stuffed animals are made out of polyester… a full run down with recommendations here
Acrylic and latex interior wall paints: These paints are essentially liquid plastic, composed of petroleum-based plastic binders. They are actually one of the WORSE contributors to global environmental microplastic pollution and account for over half of ocean paint microplastics! In our homes, acrylic and latex interior wall paints are a smaller source of microplastics (released with wear and tear): Better options: clay paint, Milk Paint, Limewash
For subscribers only: 3 more surprising sources ( no one is talking about the last one but it is increasingly common in homes and schools!!)
