Nowadays, you don’t have to smoke or drink to be exposed to serious health concerns like cancer, kidney failure, or infertility.
Something as simple as drinking from your water bottle or eating off your kitchenware could have unexpected effects—all thanks to microplastics.
Microplastics, particles smaller than five millimeters, are everywhere—in our oceans, our soil, and even our bodies, according to recent studies.
But before they got that far, microplastics started in the products we use daily, particularly in Tupperware and drink bottles.
So, should you just stop drinking from bottles and eating from everyday containers?
Absolutely not.
But there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself.
Before we get to that, let’s start with the elephant in the room—what exactly are these tiny microplastics? Grab your thinking glasses and a cup of coffee (preferably in glass or stainless steel), and let’s get into it.
What are Microplastics?
Microplastics are extremely small plastic pieces. They can range from microscopic specks that you can’t see with your eyes to visible sizes that are less than 5 millimeters in length, which is still smaller than a single grain of rice!
They come in two main types:
- Primary microplastics: These are manufactured as tiny plastic particles, like microbeads used in some personal care products and industrial abrasives.
- Secondary microplastics: These are formed when larger plastic items, such as water bottles, bags, and packaging, break down into smaller fragments.
If you’re wondering just how small microplastics and nonplastics really are, this image below will give you an idea.
Where Do Microplastics Come From?
Microplastics enter the environment from various sources. Check the table below. Can you trace where the microplastics around or even inside you might have come from?
| Source | Description |
| Plastic Products | It’s a no-brainer that microplastics come from plastics. When everyday items you own, like bags, bottles, and packaging, start to break down, they release tiny microplastic particles into the environment. |
| Synthetic Textiles | Washing synthetic clothing like polyester, nylon, spandex, and acrylic releases microfibers, a type of microplastic, into wastewater. That water could flow into rivers, lakes, and oceans, adding to microplastic pollution in our water systems. |
| Plastic Manufacturing | Plastic resin pellets and powders used in manufacturing can be released into the environment. |
| Personal Care Products | Did you know that some of your personal care products, like facial scrubs, body washes, and toothpaste, contain intentionally added microbeads? |
| Plastic Food Containers | Plastic containers used for food storage, such as Tupperware, can release microplastics into your food, leading to unintentional ingestion. |
How Does Tupperware Release Microplastics?
- Surface Degradation: Over time, the surface of your container will start to break down. This is especially common in older containers or those showing signs of use. As much as you love that old Tupperware because it holds sentimental value, the scratches and scuffs on the surface create easy pathways for microplastics to get into your food.
- Chemical Reactions: Some foods, especially acidic ones like tomato sauce or citric fruits, may quicken the breakdown process of Tupperware. Unfortunately, the chemical interaction between these foods and the plastic container can increase microplastic release.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Just the slightest change in room temperature throughout the day is enough for plastic to expand and contract, which potentially releases more microplastics.
You might think your Tupperware is harmlessly sitting on the counter, but even at room temperature, it’s slowly releasing microplastics.
For example, this Nebraska study found that food stored in plastic containers and reusable food pouches, at room temperature or refrigeration, can release millions to BILLIONS of microplastics and nanoplastics over a six-month period.
In fact, you could get that many microplastics into your food by just microwaving for 3 minutes!
Health Impacts of Microplastics
The trouble with microplastics is that their health impacts aren’t just a quick fix—they don’t just disappear “with a little rest.”
Unfortunately, they can have long-term effects on your health and potentially your kids through DNA damage and genotoxicity.
In severe cases, it can be fatal!
Check out these health conditions that have been linked to microplastics and nanoplastic exposure:
- Long-term exposure to microplastics is associated with chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and decreased fertility in both men and women. More about that in this study.
- Other toxic effects of microplastics include oxidative stress, DNA damage, and immune response. This study particularly emphasizes polyethylene’s (PE) health hazards.
- Microplastics are also connected to endocrine disruption, which can cause hormonal imbalances or worse, affect neurological function. You can find out more about that in this study.
These health issues are all besides the environmental impacts of polyethylene waste and its degradation products.
So, should I stop using plastic?
Ideally, yes! Because that’s the world we want.
However, as we phase out plastic food containers and switch to more environmentally friendly and safer alternatives like glass, stainless steel, or silicone, there are a few ways to minimize your exposure in the meantime.
How to Use Plastics Safely to Reduce Microplastic and Nanoplastic Contamination
While we recommend using safer and environmentally friendly alternatives, if you absolutely have to use plastics, here are some tips to stay safe:
- Avoid Heat: Heat causes plastic to degrade and release microplastics. So, never microwave or dishwash plastic containers.
- Replace Old Containers: Discard containers showing signs of wear and tear like scratches, discoloration, cracks, and scuffs.
- Limit Acidic Foods in Plastic Containers: When you’re having your favorite tomato sauce or citrus fruits, avoid placing them in plastic containers.
- Follow Instructions: If you want to avoid wear and tear, extend the container’s lifespan, and minimize microplastic release, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Steps to Phase Out Plastics and Transition to Safer Options
If you’re already thinking of switching to safer food storage options but are stumped, we can help you.
- Replace Gradually: It’s understandably overwhelming to replace all that plastic, especially because theyre cheaper. So, take it one step at a time. Start with the old plastic containers and gradually build up your collection of safer alternatives.
- Prioritize High-Risk Items: First replace the plastic containers you use in storing hot, acidic, or frequently microwaved foods.
- Watch for Sales: Look out for discounts on glass, stainless steel, or silicone containers. Black Friday deals and end-of-season clearances are great periods to make the switch!
- Repurpose Existing Containers: Reuse glass jars or containers from other products as food storage containers to reduce waste and save money.
- Invest in Durable options: Buy high-quality glass or stainless steel containers. They may be expensive upfront but will last for years, making them more cost-effective in the long-run.
Conclusion
To sum it up, plastic food containers can release tiny plastic particles (microplastics) into our food, especially when heated, scratched, or exposed to acidic foods.
Ingesting or inhaling these microplastics has been linked to severe health risks like reproductive issues, hormone imbalances, and organ damage.
Safer options like glass, stainless steel, and silicone containers do not release microplastics or toxic chemicals into food.
This makes them a healthier choice for food storage.
Admittedly, glass, stainless steel, and silicone, which are the safest alternatives are more expensive. But the initial cost is a small price to pay compared to the health and environmental and health risks that come with microplastics.
Talk to you again Soon,
Miles