John,

Scientific research is beginning to reveal the effects that microplastics may be having on our bodies -- organ dysfunction, metabolic disorders, altered immune responses, neurotoxicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity and more.1

People are asking how they can reduce their exposure to microplastics. In the guide below, we've collected tips to help you protect yourself and your loved ones from microplastics.

Microplastics are smaller than a grain of rice, which is what makes them so easy to unknowingly ingest.

Some plastics, like the pellets used to make plastic products (also called nurdles), are manufactured at this size, and can end up washing down the drain or being spilled into waterways. From there, marine animals like fish and shellfish can ingest the plastic, which gets into our bodies when we eat seafood.

Other microplastics are the result of larger plastics breaking down into smaller and smaller pieces. Most plastics never really go away. They just degrade into bits of plastic that continue to pollute our environment and potentially threaten our health.

Plastic food and beverage containers, clothing made with plastic materials, and flame-retardent furniture can all directly expose us to microplastics, which get swallowed when we drink from a plastic container, absorbed through our skin, or even breathed in the air.

Use less plastic. Plastics shed, so the more plastic in your home, the more potential shedding. Make an inventory of plastic in your home. Are your clothes, kitchen utensils, or cleaning supplies made of plastic? What plastic items in your life and home could be replaced by another material or cut out of your life altogether?

Don't heat or store food in plastic. Plastic containers leach more when heated. Use a non-plastic plate or glass container in the microwave. Try to store leftovers in glass or metal containers.

Clean frequently. Dust in our homes can contain microplastics, so cleaning frequently can help prevent microplastic exposure. Vacuuming is found to be more effective at preventing microplastic inhalation than sweeping.

Eat whole foods. Microplastics have been found in a higher concentration in processed foods.

Avoid canned food with plastic liners. If you are buying food in cans, make sure you avoid cans that have BPA or other harmful plastics in the lining.

Filter your tap water. Filtering water can help with minimizing microplastic, but do your homework -- not all filters are the same and some can even add microplastic to your water.

Avoid plastic-containing cosmetics. A study of over 7,000 products from the four largest cosmetic producers in Europe found that 9 out of 10 products contained microplastic. There are free apps, like Beat the Micro Bead, that can help you learn more about which products contain plastic.

Use HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters. HEPA filters help capture airborne microplastics, though they will not be able to filter the smallest particles.

Be selective with seafood. Seafood with stomachs such as mussels, oysters and other filter feeders may contain more microplastic. Alternatively, sustainably sourced fish or fish lower on the food chain like anchovies or sardines can have less microplastics.

Shift to reusables. Using reusable coffee mugs, water bottles, takeout containers and grocery bags can help reduce your use of single-use plastic and your potential exposure to microplastic.

Don't buy bottled water. Because bottled water is packaged in a plastic bottle, there's a risk that the plastic will degrade and flake off into the water.

As we learn more about the health effects of microplastics on our body, needing to reduce our reliance on single-use plastic will become even more urgent.

PIRG is advocating for federal, state and local action to reduce single-use plastic and promote producer responsibility to stop waste at the source. Already, our national network has helped pass restrictions on some of the worst single-use plastics in more than 14 states and counting .2

We're also raising awareness about fast fashion waste and unsustainable practices in the fashion industry. Many fast fashion items are made from synthetic materials such as polyester, which shed microfibers when washed and degrade into microplastics in landfills.

And, PIRG is pushing for policy solutions to ban the discharge of plastic pellets into waterways by companies that make, use, or transport them.

Together, we can help keep our bodies, families and communities safer, cleaner and healthier.

Thank you,

Faye Park
President

P.S. Our research, education and advocacy efforts to reduce plastic waste rely on supporters like you. Will you make a donation today?

1. Kelly Leviker, "How to protect yourself from microplastics," PIRG, September 23, 2024.
2. "Reducing plastic waste in the states," PIRG, July 26, 2022.

Support U.S. PIRG. Contributions by people just like you make our advocacy possible. Your contribution supports a staff of organizers, attorneys, scientists and other professionals who monitor government and corporate decisions and advocate on the public's behalf.

Join us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter

U.S. PIRG, Main Office: 1543 Wazee St., Suite 460, Denver, CO 80202, (303) 801-0582
Federal Advocacy Office: 600 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, 4th Fl., Washington, DC 20003, (202) 546-9707
Member Questions or Requests: 1-800-838-6554.

If you want us to stop sending you email then follow this link -- unsubscribe.