Microplastics and Your Family's Health: What You Need to Know

In recent years, you may have heard more and more about microplastics. These tiny plastic particles, often smaller than a grain of rice, are showing up everywhere: in our water, food, and even in the air we breathe. But what does this mean for your family's health, and what can you do about it? Here’s what science tells us so far:

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic that come from the breakdown of larger plastic items like water bottles, food containers, and synthetic fibers. They can also intentionally be made small, like microbeads in some cosmetics and cleaning products. Because plastic takes hundreds of years to degrade, it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, but never fully disappears.

These particles are so tiny they can end up just about anywhere, including oceans, rivers, soil and air.

Where Do We Come Across Microplastics?

Common ways your family may be exposed to microplastics:

• Food: Shellfish, salt, honey, beer, and even fruits and vegetables may contain microplastics.
• Water: Studies have shown that bottled water contains significantly more microplastics than tap water.
• Air: Household dust and indoor air can contain fibers shed from synthetic clothing and carpets.
• Plastic Packaging: Foods wrapped or stored in plastic can pick up microplastics, especially when heated in the microwave.

Why Should Families Be Concerned?

Although research is still ongoing, early studies suggest microplastics could pose risks to human health. Scientists have found that microplastics can carry harmful chemicals, some of which may interfere with hormone function, increase inflammation, or even raise the risk of certain diseases. Children may be more vulnerable due to their developing bodies and higher intake of air, food and water relative to their size. Infants can be exposed through baby bottles that are plastic, especially when heated.

What Can Families Do to Reduce Exposure?

While it’s impossible to avoid microplastics completely, there are simple steps you can take to limit your family’s risk:

• Use less plastic at home. Choose glass or stainless-steel containers over plastic for food storage.
• Avoid microwaving food in plastic, even if labeled microwave safe.
• Say no to single-use plastics. Carry reusable water bottles, bags and utensils.
• Vacuum and dust regularly. Microplastics can settle in your home’s dust. Keeping your floors and surfaces clean help reduce indoor exposure.
• Filter your water. Some water filters are effective at removing microplastics from tap water. Look for one labeled to filter particles down to 1 micron or smaller.
• Support environmental policies that reduce plastic pollution.