We all want happy, healthy houses, but a growing number of rapidly developing research shows that the microplastics is a threat to this goal. Although the full health effects are not yet known, there are indications that these tiny plastic particles may be associated with all types of cancer up to breathing disorders.
“Exposure to micro and nanoplasty can occur in various and typical situations at home, for example while we drink bottle water or drinks with plastic caps, microwave lining in plastic containers, tea with plastic with tea bags with plastic.
The good news is that a few simple swaps and practices can help. Kim wrote research in the peer review journal Science of the overall environment And systematically over 120 research articles from the past 10 years with microplastics in wastewater treatment plants. So we asked her what is most important when it comes to a cleaner, healthier home. Here is what she had to say. (The opinion expressed in this article is Kims, not that of Uta.)
Plastic goods are basically everywhere. Since they do not collapse completely, we will leave with microplastic particles.
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What do homeowners really need to know about microplastics?
UN-Jung Kim: Plastics are everywhere in modern life, from food containers to tea bags and even in the air in our houses. According to recent studies, scientific knowledge shows that the small plastic particles, which are referred to as microplastics, could influence our health in a way that we understand.
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are often less than 5 millimeters wide [and] Including sub-microne size, which are referred to as nanoplasty and form larger plastic objects over time. Their chemical stability, the same property that makes plastics so useful and durable, also means that they linger in the environment and resist the complete breakdown.
What are some simple ways to exchange microplastics to make our houses healthier?
Kim: If you are careful, you can be surprised at how often microplastic problems are already in the news. This is because we produce and use plastics in so many daily objects. It can be difficult to find things without plastic. Even wooden furniture often have coatings based on polymer, and glass or metal objects can still include rubber or elastic parts such as lids or covers. In fact, it is fair to say that we live surrounded by plastics.
Although the plastics completely eliminating from our houses is impractical, we can make better decisions by exchanging plastic articles for healthier alternatives and changing the use of plastic products. These simple steps can help reduce their potential exposure.
- Use glass, stainless steel or ceramic containers for food and drinks instead of plastic.
- Avoid microwell food in plastic containers. Instead, transfer food to glass or ceramic dishes before warming up.
- Switch to tea bags with loose leaves rather than on tea bags lined with plastic.
- View your home regularly and clean your home to reduce the structure of microplastics and dust in the air.
- Limit to interiority, plastic hobbies such as 3D printing or painting with plastic materials, or take additional dust control steps to minimize the exposure.
- Open the windows or use air purifiers regularly to enjoy cleaner inner air.
An washroom is an area in which microplastics can build up in your house. Make sure that this area is properly ventilated and you carefully and regularly clean the lint trap of your dryer.
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Where should homeowners start reducing microplastics in their houses?
Kim: Areas in your house with limited ventilation, heat exposure or more frequent dusting generation are most likely to accumulate microplastics. Understanding where these particles collect and how they can be reduced is an important first step towards a healthier living environment.
Check some of these places in your house:
- Badly ventilated rooms. Attic floors, basements, garages and storage areas often contain many plastic products, liners and packaging materials. Over time, dust and microplastics can build up in these areas. Regular cleaning when wearing appropriate protective equipment can help prevent the accumulation.
- Kitchen. Some studies suggest that certain cooking methods and plastic kitchen utensils can release microplastics. The use of good ventilation – such as an overhead hood – or opening windows during cooking, can reduce potential microplastic exposure in the air.
- Linen and drying areas. Synthetic textiles are a significant source of microplastic fibers that are released while washing and drying. Make sure that your washroom has proper exhaust gas ventilation and carefully and regularly clean the lint filter to minimize microplastic fiber cultivation.
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