7 surprising places microplastics hide in your kitchen and can be easily replaced

Microplastics are everywhere: in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It accumulates in clothes, cosmetics, fabrics and dust.

Microplastics are almost impossible to avoid in today’s world, so it makes sense to avoid them Found In human blood and saliva, as well as the liver, kidneys and placenta. It’s particularly surprising because they’re so small – microplastics are less than 5 mm, and nanoplastics are less than 1 micrometer.

However, studies show that these small molecules can be harmful with all kinds of health consequences. Worse still, they’re already in your home, but there are some things you can do to be more proactive about your health. Before you cook your next meal, let’s head into the kitchen and see what items might be secretly hiding microplastics among your food and cookware.

Health effects of microplastics

Microplastics have become a serious pollution problem, but scientists are now concerned about potential health effects as well. He appreciates 22,000,000 micro- and nano-plastics Humans inhale them every year, largely because they are difficult to avoid. Can be exposed to microplastics Three ways: Inhalation, swallowing or touching.

Microplastics It has been shown To cause many problems in the human body. Microplastics and nanoplastics found in blood vessels It has been linked It increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and, in more severe cases, even death. Tissue inflammation and cell death and their effect on the lung and liver They were all noticed. In animals and marine life, it can also cause oxidative and DNA damage, as well as cancer. Mice have been shown to have low sperm count, ovarian scarring, and genetic metabolic disorders.

Studies are continuing, as there is still much unknown about the exact effects of microplastics, but the studies so far have been sobering. They’re inspiring many home cooks to reconsider what they put into their kitchens—and into their bodies.

Places where microplastics hide in your kitchen

Unfortunately, microplastics are more common than you think. These are some of the places they might be hiding in your kitchen.

Non-stick cookware

A new study finds that plastic and non-stick cookware Release of microplastics to food during cooking, which greatly increases a person’s exposure to these potentially harmful contaminants. Australian researchers appreciation Teflon-coated cookware contains thousands, perhaps millions, of microplastic particles, while a simple chip or chip in your pan It could mean Exposure to more than two million microplastic particles.

Plastic food containers

An Uber ride could be unintentionally harming your health, and it has nothing to do with what you’re ordering. With the advent of home delivery services, plastic containers are more popular than ever, but these containers Can easily add Microplastics get into your food when you heat or wash it. One study found that all reusable plastic take-out containers commonly used in restaurants contain microplastics.

Plastic utensils

Studies show that such as plastic cookware, plastic utensils Release of microplastics In your food, especially when used with hotter foods. When you eat, you also ingest microplastic particles that settle in your body and bloodstream.

Tea bags

It may come as a surprise, but microplastics could be hiding in tea bags. When you brew tea, the bag is exposed to very high temperatures can be released Microplastics. This comes from polypropylene, which is a key ingredient in tea bag manufacturing. Researchers at the Autonomous University of Barcelona in Spain found billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles They were released One tea bag per milliliter of water in which it is infused.

Spices in plastic containers

That bottle of sweet pepper could be full of microplastics, depending on how you package it. Many spices today use plastic packaging, which is alarming due to a recent study Microplastics found In all plastic containers tested. This can lead to food contamination, that’s something It has increased In recent decades.

Plastic straws

Plastic straws are particularly concerning due to studies displays They release microplastics and nanoplastics. It can then be inhaled directly. Unfortunately, plastic straws are all too common, with about eight million metric tons of plastic Found in waterways every year. Once these straws and other plastics are in the water, they can affect not only the water but also the soil and animals in it.

Canned food liners

BPA has been a controversial substance user In the manufacture of canned food linings which can cause serious health effects. Today, non-BPA acrylic or polyester epoxies are more commonly used, but they have not been proven to be safe because they also contain microplastics.

Swapping materials for kitchen utensils to reduce ingestion of microplastics

Fortunately, you have alternatives. Before donning your apron, consider adding these items to your kitchen to reduce the risk of exposure to microplastics.

Wooden or stainless spoons

There are alternatives to plastic cooking utensils. Consider experimenting with A Wooden tool set Or one made of stainless steel. This can significantly reduce your exposure to microplastics while upgrading your used tools.

Food containers made of glass or stainless steel

You can’t do much about how restaurants choose to package their food, but you can avoid using it in the future. At home, try to stick to glass, ceramic and stainless steel containers that skip microplastics.

Wooden or stainless steel utensils

Instead of plastic utensils, try using stainless steel utensils which can be better for the body and also for the environment. Wooden utensils can also be a great alternative, acting as a more environmentally friendly option for your kitchen.

Loose leaf tea or tea infuser instead of tea bags

Tea bags can be filled with plastic, but a safer alternative is loose leaf tea. Many companies these days offer loose leaf tea that can be used with a stainless steel infuser or strainer, which works like a tea bag but can be healthier.

Buy spices in bulk or in glass containers instead of plastic containers

To avoid potential contamination from spices, switch to glass or ceramic packaging instead. This allows your spices to stay on your shelf without being saturated with potentially harmful microplastics that can leach into your food.

Reusable metal or bamboo straws instead of plastic straws

Plastic straws affect the environment and your body, causing serious problems for both. A better alternative is metal or bamboo straws which can be washed and reused. Even paper straws can be a better alternative than plastic straws.

Choose fresh or frozen produce instead of canned foods to avoid plastic linings

Plastic linings in canned foods can contain microplastic particles, so to avoid exposure, look for foods packaged in glass instead. You can also choose to use fresh and frozen foods and products that skip the packaging entirely.

Cookware is cast iron, carbon steel or stainless steel

Plastic cookware is common in many kitchens, but there are alternatives. Products like Stainless steel pans, Pans and Cast iron skillets They can all be great ways to upgrade your cookware without risking exposure to more microplastics.

Too long, I didn’t read

Microplastics can lurk in our kitchens, hiding in cookware and utensils and making their way into our food. Although studies are continuing, microplastics have been shown to cause harm to the human body, causing major concerns about the products we use and the materials used to manufacture them. However, hope is not lost. With a few simple changes, you can reduce your exposure to microplastics and thus better protect your health.