PLASTIC CONTAINERS Certain plastic containers have the potential to emit up to 4.22 million microplastic and 2.11 billion nanoplastic particles from just one square centimeter of plastic surface after being microwaved for 3 minutes.
SEAFOOD 🐟 Waste runoff → ocean → marine animal GI tracts/organs → human consumption A 2023 review found a number of toxic chemicals found in crustaceans, mollusks, and fish: • polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) • bisphenol A (BPA) • nonylphenol (NP) • octylphenol (OP)
SEA SALT 🌊🧂 From a March 2023 study, salts with highest levels of microplastics = Himalayan & black. Terrestrial salts had on average greater microplastic contamination relative to marine salts. A = Table B = Black C = Sea D = Iodized E = Rock F & G = Him. pink (fine & coarse)
BOTTLED WATER In a January 2024 study, 1 L of water contained an average of 240,000 plastic particles from seven types of plastics. A 2018 study showed microplastic presence in 93% of water bottle samples sold by 11 unique brands in nine countries.
AIR Airborne microplastics pose a threat to our vital respiratory functions. Originating from: • Personal care products • Washing/drying laundry • Deterioration of plastic products • Surface dust • Erosion of tires • Atmospheric fall out • Industrial emissions
SKIN CONTACT Recent studies revealed a notable presence of microbeads in items like toothpaste, face wash, scrub, & soap. With up to half of face wash products and two-thirds of facial scrubs containing these tiny particles.
Apps like Beat the Microbead allow you to scan the ingredients and check the amount of microplastics present in your personal care products.
HOW DO WE MINIMIZE MICROPLASTIC EXPOSURE? WHAT TO AVOID ❌: - Heating food in plastic containers - Eating out of plastic containers - Bottled water - Plastic Keurig cups - Plastic tea bags - Non-stick pans - Plastic cutting boards - Processed foods - Nylon cooking bags - Hot liquids in plastic-lined cups - Canned foods with BPA lining - Synthetic clothing materials - Dust accumulation - Synthetic sponges - Personal care products w/ microplastics
WHAT TO OPT FOR ✅: - Ceramic or glass containers - Filter water → In a ConsumerLab report, Brita removed nearly all microplastics, Aquasan removed ~ 80%, Pur removed ~ 30%, and ZeroWater removed a minimal amount of microplastics - Stainless steel reusable K cups - Stainless steel mesh tea bags - Stainless steel or cast iron pans - Wooden cutting boards - Whole/minimally processed foods - Parchment roasting bags - Glass or stainless steel mugs - BPA free canned foods - Natural fiber (cotton or wool) products - Coconut fiber or wood cellulose sponges - Vacuum carpets, wash bed sheets, & dust surfaces/vents - Microplastic free personal care products