Experts say that we have all become increasingly exposed to microplastics in our daily lives. From clothing to food packaging, exposure to microplastics has become nearly unavoidable, but with a few hacks from experts, people can successfully limit their exposure. Although we cannot control the majority of microplastics we are exposed to - with products like paint, car tires, and more all potentially creating the particles - avoiding purchasing and using the following products can help lower exposure levels.
We are often exposed to the particles when plastic products degrade or if a product contains a plastic additive like microbeads, which ultimately end up in our water and soil and get back to us through our consumption. Scientists say that avoiding processed foods is one of the easiest ways to mitigate this exposure. Although plastic packaging does allow for a longer shelf life, the packaging also generates microplastics over time that may be emitted into food products.
Researchers have also found that processed food products are more likely to have been exposed to plastic particles after making contact with plastic food production equipment. In particular, highly processed foods like frozen chicken nuggets were proven to contain the most microplastics per gram of meat, according to a recent study of 16 protein types that commonly contained microplastics. Another way to decrease microplastic exposure in your food items is by preparing and storing food items in products mad.
