Microplastics refer to plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter, which are widely found in oceans, rivers, atmosphere, soil and other environments. These tiny plastics are derived from the breaking up of plastic waste in the natural environment, as well as man-made plastic microbeads added to industrial products.

Microplastics can enter the human body through various ways such as food, drinking water, breathing and contact with the skin. They are difficult to metabolize and may accumulate in organ tissues, causing inflammation and damage. In addition, microplastics may also act as carriers, adsorb and transfer toxic chemicals, posing health risks. So, what should be done in daily life to reduce the harm of microplastics to the human body?

Adopt a variety of methods to ensure the health of drinking water

Adults need to drink 1500 ~ 1700 ml of water every day, to ensure the safety of drinking water is crucial. Microplastics in drinking water can come from contaminated water sources, aging plastic pipes, and microplastics in bottled water.

Daily advice is to reduce the frequency of drinking plastic bottled water. You can install a water purifier with a filter at home, or you can boil water and simply filter it to remove some of the microplastics. Because drinking water usually contains minerals, scale will naturally form after boiling and cooling, which can "seal" microplastics very well and reduce the microplastics content in boiled water.

In addition, many tea bags on the market are made of plastics (such as polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, etc.), and people who regularly use tea bags can reduce the release of microplastics in tea bags by pre-washing. Studies have confirmed that pre-washing tea bags three times with room temperature water can significantly reduce the residue of microplastics.

Reasonable cooking ingredients Choose eco-friendly tableware

When purchasing ingredients, try to choose natural foods that have not been processed too much, such as fresh vegetables, fruits and meat. These foods are not only nutrient-rich, but also relatively low in microplastics. Try to avoid using plastic containers to hold foods such as oil, wine, vinegar, etc., to reduce potential sources of microplastics.

A non-plastic cutting board is recommended when handling raw meat, vegetables, and fruits. Raw meat and seafood should be thoroughly washed before cooking (avoid eating parts of seafood such as innards and gills) to reduce the risk of ingestion of microplastics.

It is recommended to use wood cutlery instead of single-use plastic cutlery during meals, and use reusable cotton or glass kitchen items instead of single-use plastic cling film and plastic bags.

When eating out or buying takeout food, you should try to choose to use environmentally friendly packaging or degradable material packaging to minimize the reliance on disposable plastic products. Avoid reusing disposable plastic products, and dispose of them properly after use, and do not discard them at will. At the same time, actively participate in garbage sorting to ensure that plastic waste is properly recycled and disposed of.

Choose natural materials to reduce skin contact

When buying clothing, try to choose products made of natural fibers (such as cotton, hemp, silk) and avoid buying products made of synthetic fibers (such as polyester, nylon), which may release microplastics during the washing process.

In addition, it is recommended to use natural, no-add detergent products to reduce the potential risk of ingesting microplastics through skin contact. At the same time, wash the detergent properly according to the instructions for use to avoid residue.

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