GREENSBORO, N.C. — Recent research suggests switching plastic water bottles out for metal or glass ones because the plastic can break down into tiny particles in the water called microplastics. Health experts like Sophia Ruan Gushée say there are other changes we should make to protect our families.
Her concern over microplastics was born out of fear over what was in her baby’s bottle after she saw some posts online.
“I would look to see if there were credible sources to back up these claims that I would read about in books or in the news. And the answer was always, yes, I am concerned,” she said.
She then spent eight years researching microplastics before writing everything she learned in A to Z of D-Toxing.
“If they're inside us or if they're in the food or in what we drink, it's just risky because they can disrupt our hormones, contribute to tumors and a long list of concerns that scientists are still studying,” Ruan Gushée said.
A review of literature on the issue published in the National Institutes of Health journal found more research still needs to be done, writing: “Not enough information is available to fully understand the implications of microplastics for human health;”
While we wait for more research, Ruan Gushée says it’s important to limit your exposure.
“There are so many simple things we can do, but if you spend the rest of your life just focused on the plastics that are involved in what you eat and drink, then that will have a very high impact,” she said. “Next time you open your refrigerator, look to see all the plastic that you notice: plastic food containers, beverage containers, and packaging materials like plastic wrap. Get in the habit of putting the food and drinks in non-toxic glass or stainless steel.”
For example, one change that made the threat of microplastics easier to swallow for her was switching to a glass baby bottle.
A group that represents some of the plastics industry called Plastics Europe says they are “very aware” of the issue of microplastics. And they are funding research projects to figure out the impact and how to limit the problem.