Microplastics from everyday kitchen items can break down and release harmful particles, especially when exposed to heat or friction. Items like plastic utensils, bottles, and food containers are common sources of contamination, making it important to choose safer alternatives like glass, metal, or wood.
What are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are no larger than five millimetres. Over time, these microscopic fragments are shed from bigger pieces of plastic appliances or equipment and make their way into the atmosphere and food chain.
Additionally, recent studies indicate that microplastics can be a factor in antibiotic resistance. Bacteria create protective biofilms that adhere to plastic more firmly, making it more difficult to eradicate with medication. Cutting back on plastic consumption can benefit the environment and human health, particularly in food-related products.
What Health Risks are Associated with Microplastics?
Our digestive tracts and the air we breathe allow microplastics to enter our bodies. They are therefore present in organs, tissue, the human placenta, and even the gut and bloodstream. Higher rates of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease have been linked to high levels of microplastics in the brain. Additionally, microplastics in the body have typically been linked to a possible cause of diminishing sperm counts, colon cancer in individuals under 50, and an increase in irritable bowel syndrome.
Hidden Microplastics: Common Kitchen Items to Steer Clear of
| Kitchen Item | Microplastic Risk | Recommended Alternative |
| Water Bottles | Hard plastic may still degrade | Glass or stainless steel (Yeti, HydroFlask) |
| Food Containers | Leach plastic when microwaved | Glass or ceramic |
| Plastic Bags | Break down with heat & friction | Waxed paper |
| Tea Bags | Release billions of particles | Loose leaf tea + metal infuser |
| Electric Kettles | Plastic parts leach into water | Metal or glass kettles |