Microplastics have been found in human organs, including the liver and brain, but small changes in diet and packaging choices can help reduce exposure.
Amudalat Ajasa reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Bottled water is a major source of microplastics, with an average liter containing 240,000 plastic particles. Filtering tap water can reduce exposure.
- Heating food in plastic containers releases millions of plastic particles. Using glass or ceramic for storage and microwaving can limit contamination.
- Highly processed foods, including breaded shrimp and chicken nuggets, contain significantly more microplastics than whole foods.
Key quote:
“This really is a public health crisis that people are just generally not aware of.”
— Sherri Mason, freshwater and plastic pollution researcher at Gannon University
Why this matters:
Microplastics are now ubiquitous in the environment and the human body, with researchers finding them in the bloodstream, lungs, and even the placenta. While the long-term health effects remain unclear, early studies suggest potential risks, including inflammation and endocrine disruption. Plastic particles can also carry toxic chemicals, increasing concerns about their impact on human health. As plastic production continues to rise, minimizing personal exposure may be one of the few immediate actions individuals can take.
Related EHN coverage:
