Alexei Volkov
Microplastics are small plastic pieces with a diameter between five millimeters and one micrometer long. They are typically the result of the breakdown of larger plastics, but they can also be integrated into the design of everyday objects like glitter in a phone case or tiny beads in a facial cleanser. While BPA-free plastic alternatives exist, they still produce microplastics and may contain other harmful chemicals like BPS, which has been linked to estrogenic activity. Heat also makes plastic release harmful chemicals like BPA, so it is recommended to use glass or ceramic alternatives for microwaving food and drinks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Microplastics in BPA-free plastic | Even if plastic is BPA-free, it can still contain other harmful chemicals such as BPS, which is a hormonal hazard. |
| Microplastics in water supply | Microplastics are found in bottled and unbottled water. |
| Microplastics in food | Microplastics are found in food, including canned food. |
| Microplastics in the air | Microplastics are found in the air we breathe. |
| Sources of microplastics | Microplastics can come from larger plastics that break down, or they can be integrated into the design of everyday objects such as glitter in a phone case or tiny beads in facial cleansers. |
| Effects of microplastics on health | Microplastics can contain chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and PFAS, which can mimic human hormones and increase the risk of infertility, poor fetal development, and cancer. |
| Ways to reduce exposure to microplastics | Use alternatives to plastic such as glass, ceramic, or stainless steel for food and drink storage and consumption. Avoid products with glitter. |
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What You'll Learn
- Microplastics are found in water supplies, food, and the air
- BPA-free plastic may contain BPS, which is a hormonal hazard
- Heating BPA-free plastic products can cause microplastics to leak into food and drinks
- BPA-free plastic alternatives include glass, ceramic, stainless steel, and silicone
- Microplastics can be found in everyday items like synthetic clothing, car tires, and cosmetics
Microplastics are found in water supplies, food, and the air
Microplastics are very small pieces of plastic, typically considered to be less than 5mm in size. They can be manufactured to be that size or degraded from larger plastics discarded into the environment. They are found in water supplies, food, and the air we breathe.
Microplastics have been detected in the environment, including in soils, water, crops, and on the ocean floor. They have also been found in human lungs, and people may be exposed to them through the air, food, and absorption through the skin from the use of personal care products.
While microplastics have been found in a variety of foods, including salt, seafood, sugar, beer, bottled water, honey, milk, and tea, the current scientific evidence does not show that the levels of microplastics detected in foods pose a risk to human health. The FDA continues to monitor research on microplastics in foods and is taking steps to advance the science and ensure food safety.
In recent years, studies have confirmed that microplastics can be transported long distances through the air. For example, in 2019, researchers found microplastics in the Pyrenees that had arrived via rain or snowfall. Janice Brahney of Utah State University and her colleagues also found high amounts of plastic in federally protected areas of the United States. These plastics can come from roads, agricultural dust, and the oceans.
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BPA-free plastic may contain BPS, which is a hormonal hazard
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a major additive in polycarbonate (PC) plastic, a commonly used product due to its shatter resistance and optical properties. When exposed to UV rays from the sun, PC degrades and releases BPA, which is then washed away by rain and flushed into waterways. Due to its ability to mimic estrogen, BPA has been linked to potential harm to brain and reproductive development in fetuses, infants, and children. As a result, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of baby bottles containing BPA in 2012.
Following the ban, manufacturers replaced BPA with alternatives like bisphenol S (BPS) or bisphenol F (BPF) in products labelled as "BPA-free". However, recent studies have found that BPS, a common replacement for BPA, may be just as harmful. BPS has been detected in the urine of 81% of Americans, and research suggests that even small concentrations can disrupt cell functioning in ways similar to BPA, potentially leading to metabolic disorders, asthma, birth defects, and cancer.
In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that BPS is a hormonal hazard, causing heart arrhythmia in female rats by blocking an estrogen receptor unique to them. Additionally, BPS exposure in zebra fish embryos resulted in increased neuronal growth and hyperactive behavior, indicating potential endocrine disruption. Despite these findings, there is currently a lack of industry regulation, and federal agencies do not test the toxicity of new materials before they enter the market.
While it is challenging to completely eliminate plastic from our daily lives, individuals can take steps to reduce their exposure to BPA and its alternatives. This includes limiting the use of plastic products, especially for food and beverage storage, and opting for alternative materials like glass, ceramic, stainless steel, or silicone, which are considered safer choices.
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Heating BPA-free plastic products can cause microplastics to leak into food and drinks
It is important to understand the impact of microplastics on the environment and human health. Microplastics are small plastic pieces with a diameter between five millimetres and one micrometer. They are commonly found in the form of broken-up fibres from clothing, but they can also be designed into products, like glitter in phone cases or tiny beads in facial cleansers. These microplastics can eventually find their way into the water infrastructure, which can have serious ecological and health consequences.
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a significant additive in polycarbonate (PC), a commonly used plastic known for its shatter resistance and optical properties. When exposed to UV rays, PC degrades and releases BPA into the environment. While some plastics, like polypropylene or polyethylene, are BPA-free, they can still produce microplastics. This raises concerns about the potential impact of heating BPA-free plastic products and the possibility of microplastic leakage into food and drinks.
When it comes to food and drink consumption, it is recommended to avoid using plastic containers, especially when heating or storing hot items. Heating BPA-free plastic products can still cause microplastics to leak into the contents. This is because, even without BPA, the plastic can degrade and release microplastic particles. These particles can then be ingested, potentially leading to health issues.
To reduce the risk of microplastic contamination, it is advisable to use alternative materials for food and drink storage, such as glass, ceramic, or stainless steel. These materials are less likely to leach harmful chemicals into your food or drinks. Additionally, opting for products without glitter or similar decorative elements can also help minimise microplastic exposure.
While it may be challenging to completely eliminate plastic from our lives, being mindful of its potential hazards and making conscious choices can help reduce our exposure to microplastics and their impact on the environment and our health.
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BPA-free plastic alternatives include glass, ceramic, stainless steel, and silicone
It is important to be aware of the global impacts of microplastics, as they can find their way into the water infrastructure and the ocean, which humans and animals consume. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a major additive in plastics that can mimic estrogen and has been linked to increased BPA levels in fish. While BPA-free plastics are available, they may still contribute to the microplastic count.
Other alternatives to plastic include titanium, which is durable, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight, and copper, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Aluminium is a more cost-effective and lightweight option, but it may have a BPA or cancerous coating. While some biodegradable alternatives to microplastics exist, such as jojoba beads, apricot kernels, and ground nutshells, it is important to note that even these alternatives may not be completely safe for the environment.
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Microplastics can be found in everyday items like synthetic clothing, car tires, and cosmetics
Microplastics are all around us, in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. These tiny plastic particles, often microscopic, are released from larger pieces of plastic or are manufactured for specific purposes. They are found in everyday items, including synthetic clothing, car tires, and cosmetics.
Synthetic clothing is a significant contributor to microplastic pollution. When synthetic textiles are washed, they release microfibres into the water, which then make their way into our oceans. This release is especially high during the first few washes of new clothes. Fast fashion, where garments are used briefly and then replaced, exacerbates the problem. Synthetic fibres are not the only source of microplastics in clothing; natural fibres can also shed microfibres, and accessories like buttons and glitter can add to the microplastic load.
Car tires are another unexpected source of microplastics. As vehicles drive, their tires emit particles ranging from visible pieces of rubber or plastic to microparticles. These tire wear particles (TWPs) are a significant source of microplastic pollution, with an estimated 78% of ocean microplastics being synthetic tire rubber. The chemicals in tires can be toxic, and their impact on both human and wildlife health is a growing concern.
Cosmetics and personal care products are also major contributors to microplastic pollution. Microplastics are intentionally added to products like sunscreen, shampoo, makeup, and deodorant. Microbeads, a type of microplastic used for scrubbing or exfoliating, are particularly common in these products. While some countries have taken steps to ban microbeads, they are still widely used, and other microplastic ingredients continue to be added to cosmetics.
Other everyday items that contribute to microplastic pollution include water bottles, children's toys, and kitchen utensils. As these items wear and tear, small plastic particles are shaved or chipped off, which can be swallowed or washed down the drain, contributing to the growing problem of microplastic pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, BPA-free plastic can still have microplastics. Microplastics are small plastic particles that are formed when solid plastics break down through abrasion, degradation, or chemical processes such as exposure to heat. These particles can originate from chemicals used in the creation of plastic, such as bisphenol A (BPA).
Microplastics can form when plastic breaks down through various processes, including abrasion, degradation, and exposure to heat or UV rays. They can also be integrated into a product's design, such as glitter in a phone case or tiny beads in a facial cleanser.
Microplastics can contain harmful chemicals, such as BPA, that can be released into the environment and contaminate water sources. These chemicals can also be ingested by humans and animals, potentially leading to health issues such as reduced fertility and an increased risk of cancer.
To avoid microplastics, it is recommended to reduce the use of single-use plastics and choose alternative materials whenever possible. Glass, ceramic, stainless steel, and silicone are some of the recommended alternatives for food and beverage storage.
Yes, there have been efforts to regulate microplastics and address false advertising claims. For example, the ""Microbead-free Waters Act of 2015" banned the use of microbeads in cosmetic products. Additionally, there have been class-action lawsuits against companies that deceptively marketed their products as "BPA-free" when they still contained microplastics.
