Microplastics: A Hazard to Unborn Children
Microplastic contamination is a far bigger problem than most people realize. But you can help. And it starts with awareness.
Dr. Rebecca Langston had spent years studying marine pollution. She was well aware of the harmful microplastics effects on marine life. Even so, she was not prepared for the news she received from a colleague over dinner. Her coworker was a fellow researcher in environmental health.
Rebecca’s eyes went wide. “The plastic was in the placenta?”
“Yes,” her coworker nodded. “In the tissue that nourishes life, that connects mother and child.”
For a moment, she held her breath, her eyes glistening with tears. Microplastics — those tiny, often invisible bits of plastic — had been discovered in human placentas.
That night, as Rebecca Langston lay awake, the enormity of this global problem hit her in a new way. Microplastics weren’t just out there — polluting oceans and harming wildlife — they were inside each of us. They had crossed the most sacred boundary: from the environment into our bodies.
The Problem of Microplastic Contamination
Microplastics — particles smaller than five millimeters — are everywhere. They’re in the oceans, the soil, the air, and, as Dr. Langston learned, in our bodies. But the journey of these particles begins much earlier — in the products we use every day. Take toothpaste, for example. Many commercial brands use tiny plastic beads as abrasives, scrubbing your teeth clean while leaving behind traces of plastic that are washed down the drain, eventually finding their way into the food chain. Switching to microplastic-free toothpaste is one simple solution, but most consumers don’t even realize that they need to do this.
The truth is, microplastics are not just an environmental issue. They’ve infiltrated our kitchens, our clothes, and our cosmetics. Every time you wash synthetic fabrics, like polyester, microfibers break off. Many of these are too small to be caught by wastewater filters. Quite often, they end up in rivers, oceans, and even in the air we breathe.
Do you want to help reduce this? Consider opting for clothes without microplastics. While this may seem to be a small action, if done by millions of concerned people, it could have a massive impact.
And, naturally, awareness is the first step.
Understanding Microplastic Contamination
Microplastics are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in size. They enter the environment through various sources:
- Fragmentation of larger plastic products
Microbeads in Toothpaste - Microbeads found in cosmetics and cleaning products
- Microfibers shed from synthetic clothing during washing
- Breakdown of plastic items like Tupperware and other food containers
These tiny particles make their way into our waterways, food chain, and even the air we breathe. Studies have shown that microplastics accumulate in both animals and humans. The potential health impacts are still being uncovered by researchers. And, because most plastics are not biodegradable, the body cannot easily remove them.
The Hidden Dangers in Our Kitchens and Beyond
Microplastics aren’t just an environmental issue. They’re in your kitchen. Every time you grab that plastic Tupperware to store leftovers, you could be contributing to a problem far greater than you realize. As these containers degrade — whether from heating, washing, or simply aging — they shed microplastic particles that contaminate your food.
But it’s not just Tupperware. Microplastic contamination can come from a wide variety of products you use every day:
- Cosmetics: Many personal care products contain microplastics. Look for microplastics in cosmetics’ lists of ingredients to identify and avoid these products.
- Toothpaste: Some brands use microplastics as abrasives. Opt for toothpaste without microplastics in order to protect your health and the environment.
- Clothing: Synthetic fabrics release microfibers when washed. Choose clothes without microplastics to reduce your environmental impact.
- Salt: Even our seasoning isn’t safe. Look for microplastic-free salt or microplastic-free sea salt to avoid ingesting these particles.
- Cleaning products: Dishwasher pods with microplastics are a hidden source of pollution. Choose eco-friendly alternatives.
The Science Behind Microplastics and Human Health
You may wonder: What’s so bad about tiny bits of plastic floating around in our bodies? The science is still unraveling the full impact, but what researchers do know is troubling. Microplastics cause inflammation and can transport toxic chemicals with them. Once inside the body, they might lodge in many of our organs. Studies have linked microplastic exposure to hormonal disruption, infertility, and even cancer.
Microplastics are bad enough. Plastic, as it breaks down, attracts pollutants, like pesticides, heavy metals, and other industrial toxins. These cling to the microplastic particles like magnets. Then, when microplastics enter the human body, they can deliver these harmful chemicals straight into our tissues.
Remember what Dr. Langston’s coworker told her about microplastics in placentas? If plastic particles could pass into the placenta, what else are they doing inside our bodies? This was a question which kept Rebecca Langston awake at night.
Checkout this video, showing Microplastics in the human heart!
Beware Of BPA Free Products
In recent years, the market has been flooded with BPA-free products, but Rebecca Langston soon learned that these “safer” plastics weren’t much better. Manufacturers, under pressure to eliminate BPA, often swapped it out for other, less-studied chemicals which turned out to be just as harmful. These “alternatives” break down in much the same way, shedding microplastics which contaminate your food, your water, and your bodies.
“BPA-free” doesn’t mean “plastic-free.” That’s a crucial distinction. If you want truly to reduce your exposure to microplastics, you need to switch to alternatives like glass or stainless steel containers — materials which don’t degrade and release particles into your food.
Solving the Threat of Microplastic Contamination
So, how do we tackle this crisis? On the policy front, governments are slowly waking up to the dangers of microplastics. Countries like the UK have banned plastic microbeads in cosmetics, while the European Union has begun to regulate single-use plastics. But these measures are only scratching the surface.
On a personal level, you can take action to reduce your exposure to microplastics:
- Replace plastic Tupperware with glass or stainless steel containers.
- Choose microplastic-free makeup, plus cosmetics without microplastics.
- Use microplastic-free toothpaste.
- Opt for natural fiber clothing to avoid shedding microfibers
- Select microplastic-free salt for cooking and seasoning
Embracing Non-Toxic Food Storage Alternatives
Let’s turn our focus onto one of the most common sources of microplastics in our homes: food storage containers. Here are some excellent alternatives to plastic Tupperware:
Glass Food Storage Containers: A Clear Choice
Glass is an ideal material for food storage since it is nonporous and chemically inert. Popular brands include:
- Weck Jars: German-made, reusable glass jars with rubber gaskets and steel spring clamps
- Le Parfait Jars: French alternatives made of durable, thermal shock-resistant glass
- Glasslock: Offers glass containers with BPA-free plastic lids
Glass allows you to clearly see contents and monitor food freshness. It withstands freezing, microwaving, and oven heating while preventing stain and odor absorption.
Stainless Steel: The Durable Non-Plastic Food Storage Solution
Stainless steel bento-style containers present a lightweight, reusable solution for storing and transporting meals. Brands like Bentgo and LunchBots offer compartmentalized stainless steel containers perfect for meal prepping healthy dishes.
Silicone Food Storage: Flexible and Non-Toxic
Silicone food storage bags like Stasher provide a nonporous, BPA-free alternative to plastic baggies. They’re heat-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and perfect for storing snacks or freezing foods.
Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Non-Plastic Containers
To get the most out of your non-plastic containers:
- Clean thoroughly with hot, soapy water.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes for glass containers.
- Store with lids off to prevent moisture and odour retention.
- Use lower power settings when microwaving to prevent uneven hot spots.
Remember, glass is not as thermally conductive as metal, and can shatter if a frozen container is put under hot, running water
The Bigger Picture: What You Can Do
- Educate yourself and others about the dangers of microplastics. Help support our page by purchasing our custom E-Book (Coming Soon) with everything you need to know!
- Choose products carefully, avoiding those with microplastics.
- Support legislation that aims to reduce plastic pollution.
- Encourage retailers to stock more non-plastic alternatives.
Conclusion: A Sustainable Future Without Microplastics
Dr. Langston’s story is not unique. Scientists, activists, and everyday people are waking up to the problems with microplastics. The change starts with you — right in your kitchen, your bathroom, and your closets. You can make small changes that, collectively, can lead to a big impact.
The next time you reach for a product, ask yourself: Is there a better alternative? Check the labels for microplastics in cosmetics, choose clothes made from natural fibers, and start swapping out plastic containers for safer options.
The journey to a microplastic-free life starts with one step. And like Dr. Langston, you too can be part of the solution. After all, the future belongs to those willing to fight for it — one plastic-free choice at a time.
Miles