04/02/2026
Reducing Microplastics
Do you want to know about reducing everyday microplastic exposure?
Microplastics are now detected in food, water, air, and human tissues.
An article by Marfella and colleagues in the New England Journal of Medicine (2024) states:
“The production of plastics is constantly increasing, and this trajectory is set to persist until 2050. Plastics can pollute the environment by way of ocean currents, atmospheric winds, and terrestrial phenomena, contributing to their widespread distribution. Once released into nature, plastics are susceptible to degradation, leading to the formation of microplastics (defined as particles smaller than 5 mm) and nanoplastics (particles smaller than 1000 nanometers). Both types of particles trigger a range of toxicologic effects.”
While research is ongoing, evidence supports a focus on practical exposure reduction.
Small, consistent changes in daily habits can lower microplastic exposure over time.
Food & Drink
→ Use glass or carton containers for bottled water needs
→ Drink filtered tap water
→ Carry water in glass or stainless bottles
→ Avoid heating food in plastic containers
→ Limit ultra-processed foods
→ Choose fresh or minimally processed foods
→ Use paper or cloth produce bags
→ Use stainless steel or fabric lunch containers
Kitchen & Cooking
→ Cook with stainless steel, cast iron, or quality ceramic cookware
→ Use metal or bamboo utensils
→ Store leftovers in glass containers
→ Use paper wraps instead of plastic
Personal Care & Household
→ Choose plastic-free dish scrubbers, toothbrushes, and dental floss
Clothing
→ Favor natural fibers (cotton, wool, linen)
Shopping
→ When possible, opt for electronic receipts
What other strategies do you use? Please share in the comments.
Reference:
Marfella R, Prattichizzo F, Sardu C, et al. Microplastics and nanoplastics in atheromas and cardiovascular events. N Engl J Med. 2024;390(10):900-910. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2309822
Additional Resources:
Bocker R, Silva EK. Microplastics in our diet: A growing concern for human health. Sci Total Environ. 2025;968:178882. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.178882
Ehrlich S, Calafat AM, Humblet O, Smith T, Hauser R. Handling of thermal receipts as a source of exposure to bisphenol A. JAMA. 2014;311(8):859-860. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.283735
Gambino I, Bagordo F, Grassi T, Panico A, De Donno A. Occurrence of microplastics in tap and bottled water: current knowledge. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(9):5283. Published 2022 Apr 26. doi:10.3390/ijerph19095283
Kadac-Czapska K, Knez E, Grembecka M. Food and human safety: the impact of microplastics. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024;64(11):3502-3521. doi:10.1080/10408398.2022.2132212
Li Y, Tao L, Wang Q, Wang F, Li G, Song M. Potential health impact of microplastics: a review of environmental distribution, human exposure, and toxic effects. Environ Health (Wash). 2023;1(4):249-257. Published 2023 Aug 10. doi:10.1021/envhealth.3c00052
Mahalingaiah S, Nadeau KC, Christiani DC. Microplastics and human health. JAMA. 2025;334(21):1941-1942. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.14718
Sonavane M, Gassman NR. Bisphenol A co-exposure effects: a key factor in understanding BPA's complex mechanism and health outcomes. Crit Rev Toxicol. 2019;49(5):371-386. doi:10.1080/10408444.2019.1621263
Sun A, Wang WX. Human exposure to microplastics and its associated health risks. Environ Health (Wash). 2023;1(3):139-149. Published 2023 Aug 2. doi:10.1021/envhealth.3c00053
Thin ZS, Chew J, Ong TYY, Raja Ali RA, Gew LT. Impact of microplastics on the human gut microbiome: a systematic review of microbial composition, diversity, and metabolic disruptions. BMC Gastroenterol. 2025;25(1):583. Published 2025 Aug 13. doi:10.1186/s12876-025-04140-2
Additional Reading:
AARP, 2025
https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/how-to-reduce-microplastics/
