Microplastics: What They Are & How to Avoid Them

Microplastics: What They Are & How to Avoid Them

At Essential Health Choices, we believe that small, thoughtful changes in our everyday lives can help protect our health and our families’ futures. One area getting more and more attention is microplastics — tiny plastic particles that have made their way into our food, water, homes, and even our bodies.

While it’s impossible to eliminate them completely, there’s growing research suggesting it’s wise to minimise our exposure where we can — not out of fear, but out of care for our health.

What are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic, less than 5mm long. They come from bigger plastic items breaking down over time, or are manufactured small (like microbeads once used in scrubs and toothpaste).

Scientists have found microplastics nearly everywhere — in drinking water, sea salt, seafood, and household dust.

How Do Microplastics Affect Our Health?

We’re still learning exactly how microplastics affect the human body, but early evidence gives good reasons to be mindful:

  • A 2022 study in Environment International found microplastics in human blood for the first time, suggesting they can move through our bodies (Leslie et al., 2022).

  • Some microplastics contain additives and chemicals — like BPA and phthalates — which are known endocrine disruptors. Long-term exposure to these has been linked to hormone disruption and some cancers (World Health Organization, NIH).

  • The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has noted that while plastic polymers themselves are generally considered low risk, additives and by-products created when plastics break down may carry carcinogenic risks.

None of this means plastics alone “cause cancer” — but science suggests they are another small piece of the puzzle of environmental factors that may affect our long-term health.

Where Do Microplastics Come From?

Many people are surprised to learn that microplastics aren’t just an ocean problem — they’re part of everyday life. Here are some of the biggest sources in our homes:

✅ Synthetic clothing:
Each wash releases tiny fibres into waterways (IUCN)

✅ Plastic food storage:
Old plastic containers and cling wrap can shed particles, especially when heated

✅ Tea bags & coffee pods:
Some tea bags use plastic seals that release particles in boiling water (McGill University)

✅ Household dust:
Carpets, furniture and daily wear-and-tear shed microplastics into dust we breathe (Environmental Science & Technology)

✅ Bottled water:
Bottled water can contain more microplastics than tap water (WHO)

What You Can Do

The good news? We don’t need to panic — but we can take simple steps to cut down our exposure:

✨ Swap single-use plastics for reusables; glass or stainless steel drink bottles and food containers are great alternatives.

✨ Avoid heating food in plastic containers; Use glass or ceramic in the microwave.

✨ Use a reusable water bottle; and consider a filter that can help reduce microplastic particles.

✨ Minimise plastic-wrapped foods; buy fresh produce or bulk using your own bags and containers.

✨ Choose loose-leaf tea; or certified plastic-free tea bags, a French press or compostable coffee pods are great too.

✨ Pick natural fabrics; cotton, linen and wool shed fewer microplastics than synthetics.

✨ Keep your home dust-free; vacuum with a HEPA filter and dust with a damp cloth.

It’s not about living in fear — it’s about taking simple, practical steps to feel more confident in the choices we make for ourselves and our children.

Make a start with our Plastic-Free Kitchen Collection

References:

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please speak to your healthcare provider for personal guidance.

Photo by FlyD on Unsplash

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