HOW PLASTICS ARE POISONING US — WHY FIGHTING PLASTIC POLLUTION MATTERS
By David Whiteside — November 9, 2024
The use and production of single use plastics is increasing rapidly, especially since 2020.
Besides microplastics, there are other dangerous chemicals that we might ingest through plastic including phthalates and bisphenols. We know humans are ingesting microplastics and plastic chemicals at an alarming rate, but we are still only learning and realizing the harm that this does to our bodies. For more on how plastics are poisoning us, read this article: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/07/03/book-reviews-plastic-waste
Plastic litter and pollution is everywhere. We see it in our waterways and streets, but besides looking bad, it hurts people and wildlife. Here are a few ways in which it hurts us:
DRINKING MICROPLASTICS
Studies have shown that drinking bottled water and other drinks from plastic bottles with plastic caps is a significant way that we are polluting our bodies with microplastics. Experts believe that it is coming more from the cap than the bottle itself. Click here to learn more: https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/08/health/bottled-water-nanoplastics-study-wellness/index.html
EATING HOT FOOD OFF PLASTICS
Studies have shown that styrofoam, plastic plates, and single-use plastic utensils can leak plastic chemicals into hot food and drinks when we consume them. These single-use items have been marketed as good for hot items for decades but we are learning that is not true.
Click here to learn more: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/feb/18/are-plastic-containers-safe-to-use-food-experts
MICROPLASTICS IN SALT AND FISH
Microplastics have been found at alarming levels in salt and sea food. Limiting both of these is a good way to reduce microplastics. Click here to see a study on the presence of microplastics in commercial salts from different countries: https://www.nature.com/articles/srep46173
TEA BAGS
Traditional tea bags can discharge microplastics into your hot tea. Use reusable metal tea balls or other infusers to avoid unnecessary microplastics in tea. Click here to learn more: https://www.beyondplastics.org/fact-sheets/microplastics-in-tea
MORE INFO ON ALL OF THE ABOVE
This article is a good start if you want to learn more: https://www.earthday.org/you-are-what-you-eat-plastics-in-our-food/
GLOSSARY
Phthalates: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phthalates
Bisphenols: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisphenol