Microplastics Are Micromonsters
Follow NRDC’s science-based steps to protect your family from microplastics.
Even though they are too small to see, these micromonsters may increase the risk of big health problems. Microplastics are impossible to avoid entirely, but you can reduce the amount you unknowingly ingest. Check out these tips, and follow the ones that feel doable for you. Every smart swap helps!
Science-backed steps for avoiding microplastic exposure
How many of these are you already doing?
1. Choose tap water, not bottled
People drinking bottled water instead of tap water ingest substantially more microplastics. People who drink beverages in plastic packaging are also more likely to have higher levels of microplastics in their stool.
2. Rethink your plastic kitchenware
Many kinds of plastic kitchen items introduce microplastics into food, including cutting boards, bowls, blenders, spatulas, electric kettles, and sponges. Use alternatives like stainless steel, glass, ceramic, bamboo, stoneware, and nonplastic sponges.
3. Rethink your nonstick pans
Cookware coated with PTFE (commonly called Teflon), a plastic made with PFAS (toxic “forever chemicals”), can scratch and release millions of microplastics during use. They are a double whammy of PFAS and microplastics. Alternatives include stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic.
4. Don't microwave plastic
Heating food in plastic packaging and containers releases harmful chemicals and microplastics into your meal. Reheat food in glass or ceramic.
5. Skip the plastic baby bottles
Infants can be exposed to millions of microplastics a day from plastic baby bottles. Use shatter-resistant glass bottles instead.
6. Watch out for hidden plastics in menstrual products
A single tampon can release billions of microplastics. Alternatives include tampons that are made from 100 percent cotton and have a nonplastic or no applicator, reusable cotton pads, silicone cups, and PFAS-free cotton period underwear.
7. Choose natural fibers for your home and wardrobe
Microfibers are constantly shedding from synthetic clothing and textiles during wear, laundering, and use. Plastic-derived textiles like nylon, spandex, and polyester can increase concentrations of microplastics in the dust and air. Opt for alternatives, such as cotton, linen, bamboo, silk, and wool.
8. Bring your own nonplastic to-go cup
Disposable cups—including paper cups (which tend to be lined with plastic)—have been found to release microplastics into beverages. This is true for both cold and hot beverages, though more microplastics are released into hot beverages or carbonated beverages like soda. Keep your own nonplastic reusable cup with you for on-the-go stops.
9. Avoid personal care products with intentionally added microplastics
Despite efforts to phase out some uses in certain personal care and cosmetic products, microplastics are still common in a variety of these products. Look for products that do not contain intentionally added microplastics, and avoid anything containing ingredients that can indicate microplastic presence: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, acrylates, polymers, and microbeads.
10. Avoid plastic tea bags
Steeping plastic tea bags can release high numbers of microplastics into your hot tea. Choose tea packaged in nonplastic tea bags or switch to using loose-leaf tea in a metal tea strainer or a reusable cotton tea bag.
NRDC is an independent, science-based organization with decades of experience translating emerging environmental health research into practical protections for families. Our scientists and health experts track evolving evidence on risks like lead, PFAS, air pollution—and now, microplastics—and translate that science into clear, everyday guidance people can use now.
This guidance reflects the best available evidence and will evolve as the science advances.
WHAT MAKES MICROPLASTICS SO SCARY?
Tiny particles of plastic sneaking into our bodies is both bizarre and concerning.
Scientists have linked microplastics present in arterial plaque with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. Early science also suggests microplastic exposure is associated with increased risks of liver disease and cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic rhinosinusitis, and pregnancy complications.
As researchers continue to discover more about the magnitude of the health risks connected to microplastic exposure, it behooves us to make some simple lifestyle changes that may reduce our personal risk.
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