New research provides more reasons to avoid plastics
It’s an understatement to say that this is a blog post we wish never had to be written. However, if we search for “microplastics” online, there is nothing but bad news that keeps getting grimmer, especially with regards to human health. Microplastics are now being found everywhere, including breastmilk, the blood, and every organ in the body.
Most of us are aware by now that plastics wreak environmental havoc, and if that’s not enough of a wake-up call, hopefully looking at the health effects of plastics will be. Researchers recently released a meta-study that reviewed over 3,000 medical studies on microplastics and cancer. The results show that microplastics are strongly correlated with rising rates of digestive system cancers like those in the colon, and respiratory system cancers in the lung. While many cancer rates are declining, these cancers are mysteriously increasing, especially amongst women and younger people.
As depressing as this topic is, it’s also an important one to understand so that we can all make better choices for our health, so let’s learn more.
What are microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles measuring less than 5 millimeters in diameter, often invisible to the naked eye. They can originate from the breakdown of larger plastic items (secondary microplastics) or be manufactured at a small size for use in products like cosmetics, cleaning agents, or industrial processes (primary microplastics). Due to their small size and persistence, microplastics are pervasive in the environment, affecting ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.
It takes an estimated 400 years for something like a plastic water bottle to break down, but it doesn’t end there. While it may be unrecognizable to our naked eye, those plastic compounds just get smaller and smaller but don’t actually dissolve back into nature.
That’s right—plastic is forever. Every piece of plastic ever made is still with us in some form. According to the UN, that’s 8.3 billion tons of plastic as of 2021, with half of that being produced in the prior 13 years.
How are microplastics getting into our bodies?
Unfortunately, microplastics are impossible to avoid. They are in the air we breathe, the soil, the oceans, lakes, rivers, and in the plants and animals we eat. Microplastics have been found in coral reefs, on Mount Everest, on the Arctic tundra, and even the snowy expanse of Antarctica.
To say nothing of the plastics that we encounter in our everyday lives. It’s true that plastics solved many problems, but they definitely came with many unintended consequences as well.
Microplastics, and their even smaller relatives nanoplastics, can get into the body in at least four major ways:
- Breathing. Indoor environments have a lot of dust, particles, and fibers floating around, while the outdoors don’t always feature fresh air. These contaminants enter our nasal passages, throats, breathing tubes, and lungs as we breathe.
- Synthetic fibers and dust from clothing, furniture, and home decor
- Plastic-based construction materials
- Vehicle tires, industrial emissions, and burning plastics
- Ingestion. Yes, those plastic cutting boards are a menace, but of more concern and perhaps less obvious are the foods and drinks that carry nanoplastics we can’t see. Think of the plastic lining of canned foods and paper coffee cups.
- Seafood, like shellfish
- Salt, sugar, and honey
- Drinking water, both tap and bottled
- Any foods served or stored with plastic containers
- Skin Absorption. This one is less talked about, but very important. Our skin is our largest organ, and we take it for granted. There’s a movement toward natural fabrics for this very reason—synthetic fabrics are made with plastics, and those plastics leach chemicals into our bodies.
- Synthetic fabrics: polyester, nylon, acrylic
- Personal care products and cosmetics
- Sunscreens and lotions
- Microplastics in water
- Medical Products. These may be less avoidable, but important to keep it in mind.
- Pharmaceuticals can have plastic-based coatings or capsules
- Plastic implants and medical devices
- Dental work, aside from containing mercury, can also contain BPA
What are the health impacts?
Microplastics cause macro problems for our health. It’s been known for several decades that Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are problematic, but unfortunately, when these chemicals got some bad press, companies shifted to other chemicals that are also problematic. Whenever possible, it’s best to just completely eliminate plastics.
Here is a list of the best known health impacts of microplastics:
- Endocrine Disruption. BPA is used to make plastics harder, while phthalates make plastics more pliable. Both disrupt natural human hormone production and balance, which can lead to issues with fertility, growth and development, and metabolism.
- Cancer. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics are both known carcinogens. Microplastics disrupt so many processes and systems in the body, so its contributions to cancerous diseases may be greater than we know.
- Neurotoxicity. Plastics can cross the blood-brain barrier, altering neurotransmitter levels, damaging neurons, and impacting cognitive function and behavior.
- Inflammation. Plastics can trigger inflammatory responses from cells and tissues.
- Respiratory Damage. Inhaled particles can cause irritation, inflammation, and contribute to respiratory diseases.
- Digestive System Damage. Ingested plastics harm the gut’s natural lining, disrupt the microbiome, and impair nutrient absorption.
- Bioaccumulation. Microplastics can accumulate in organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys.
- Immune System Disruption. Interference from microplastics can increase susceptibility to infections and autoimmune diseases.
- Reproductive Issues. As seen above with endocrine disruption, microplastics affect sperm quality and count, egg health, and hormone levels. They also cross the placenta, which can lead to developmental delays or birth defects.
- Chronic Diseases. Microplastics are associated with diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
- Neurodegenerative Diseases. Due to brain function disruption, microplastics may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
- Mental and Behavioral Conditions. Because plastics interfere with hormones and neurotransmitters, they can contribute to anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
What can be done?
Phew! That is a lot of scary stuff. Let’s all take a deep breath and acknowledge that while we can’t completely avoid microplastics, there are many things we can do to greatly reduce our exposure and increase the odds for better health.
- Choose natural fibers. We know just the place where you can outfit your bedroom and your home with all-natural wool and organic cotton products. Support clothing and home goods companies doing it right.
- Drink filtered tap water. If you must go for bottled, make sure it’s in a glass bottle.
- Don’t mix plastics with food and drink. Don’t heat food in plastic! Use glass or stainless steel food containers. Forgo straws and plastic utensils and use metal or wooden alternatives. Minimize consumption of processed and packaged foods. Bring your own beverage containers to the coffeeshop.
- Choose personal care products wisely. Go all-natural and organic, check out the Environmental Working Group’s database for inspiration. Support companies using plastic alternatives to their packaging.
- Reduce household dust. Regularly vacuum with a HEPA filter, clean with damp dust cloths and mops, and use air purifiers.
- Go for plastic-free options. Try natural alternatives to plastic sponges. Try wool dryer balls instead of plastic dryer sheets with toxic chemicals. Replace plastic toothbrushes and hair brushes with wood or bamboo versions. If there’s not a plastic-free alternative, ask yourself if it’s really needed.
- Educate and advocate. Set a good example and when appropriate, share your plastic-free journey with friends, family, schools, area restaurants and grocery stores. Support organizations and companies working to eliminate plastics or provide alternatives. Get in touch with your elected officials.
Envisioning a Safe and Healthy World
At Shepherd’s Dream, we promise there are no plastics in our handmade mattresses, pillows, comforters, or toppers. We trust in natural materials such as pure wool, organic cotton, and responsibly-sourced latex for a superior sleep experience that’s not merely not harmful, but actually contributes to your good health. Everything is soft, clean, wonderfully breathable, and nontoxic.
In addition, we do our best to reduce or eliminate plastic in our business, including as much as possible when shipping your goods.
For more on the benefits of going plastic free, check out these other Counting Sheep blog posts:
- Living that Plastic-Free Lifestyle
- 4 Pro Tips for Reducing Plastic Waste
- How to Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner
Your health is important to us, and the health of our planet is too. In the case of plastics, the two clearly go together. Thank you for doing your part!
And thanks for stopping by the blog. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for more healthy living tips, and sign up for our Ewe’s Letter in the form below for special insider-only info. Until next time, sweet dreams!
