Microscopic fragments have been detected in human blood, lung tissue, and even the placenta.
Microscopic fragments have been detected in human blood, lung tissue, and even the placenta. Read more here. While the environmental impact of plastic has long been documented, the shift toward understanding its biological consequences marks a critical turning point in public health awareness.
Microplastics shed from food containers, drinkware, and clothing. Microplastic enter our bodies through the air we breathe. While it is impossible to eliminate plastic entirely from modern life, ideal air and water , clothing, food utensils and containers, and drinkware can significantly lower your intake.
Indoor environments often contain high concentrations of microplastics. This is primarily due to the shedding of synthetic fibers from carpets, upholstery, and clothing in spaces with limited ventilation. Once airborne, these particles are easily inhaled. Implementation of HEPA air purifiers capture particles down to .3 microns.
Open windows regularly to create cross-ventilation. This dilutes the concentration of indoor pollutants and flushes out suspended particles.
When cleaning, use a vaccum or cleaning solution instead of dry dusting.
Drinking water is one of the most direct routes for microplastics to enter the digestive system. Studies have shown that bottled water often contains significantly higher concentrations of plastic particles than tap water, largely due to the degradation of the plastic and painted caps.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems are highly effective at removing even the smallest nano plastics by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane.
Carbon Block Filters can remove particles down to 0.5 microns, capturing the majority of microplastics found in municipal water supplies.
Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic are is essentially woven plastic. Every time these garments are worn, washed, or heated, they shed millions of microfibers.
Wear clothing made from cotton, wool, silk, linen, or hemp. These fibers are biodegradable and do not contribute to microplastic accumulation in the body or the environment.
When washing clothes, use cold water and shorter cycles. High temperatures and aggressive agitation cause synthetic fabrics to break down and shed more significantly. When it's time to dry clothing, bedding and synthetic clothing is best air dried.
The containers we use for our food and hydration make a big difference. Heat and acidity accelerate the leaching of chemicals and microplastics from plastic linings and containers. Choose containers made from glass, stainless steel or ceramic.
Heat food or liquids in glass or ceramic with a damp paper towel over the top if needed.
As the Core Chiropractic article emphasizes, "Small amounts repeated daily matter more than a single large exposure." Reducing microplastic intake is not about achieving perfection in a plastic-filled world; it is about making informed choices where we have the most control. By upgrading our filtration systems or being mindful of the materials we wear and drink from, we can protect our internal biology from the accumulation of plastic.
Dr. Garrett is the founder of Core Chiropractic in Birmingham, AL. While most health care is focused on temporary relief, the staff at Core Chiropractic focus on creating solutions to a wide spectrum of health conditions. Connect with Dr. Garrett at (205) 206-9341 or via online form.
