Microplastics refer to plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter, which are widely found in the ocean, rivers, atmosphere, soil and other environments.

These tiny plastics are derived from the breaking up of plastic waste in the natural environment, as well as man-made plastic microbeads added to industrial products.

Microplastics can enter the human body through various ways such as food, drinking water, breathing and skin contact, which is difficult to be metabolized and may accumulate in organ tissues, causing inflammation and damage.

In addition, microplastics may also act as carriers, adsorb and transfer toxic chemicals, posing health risks.

So, how should we respond in daily life to reduce the harm of microplastics to the human body?

Adopt a variety of methods to ensure healthy drinking water

Adults need to drink 1,500 to 1,700 milliliters of water every day, and ensuring the safety of drinking water is critical.

Microplastics in drinking water can come from contaminated water sources, aging plastic pipes, and microplastics in bottled water.

It is recommended to reduce the frequency of drinking plastic bottled water. You can install a water purifier with a filter device at home, or boil water when drinking water and then simply filter it to remove some microplastics.

Because drinking water usually contains minerals, scale will naturally form after boiling and cooling, and these scales can "seal" microplastics very well, reducing the microplastic content in boiling water.

In addition, many tea bags on the market are made of plastic (such as polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, etc.), and people who regularly use tea bags can reduce the release of microplastics in tea bags by pre-washing.

Studies have confirmed that pre-washing tea bags with room temperature water three times can significantly reduce the residue of microplastics.

Reasonable cooking ingredients choose eco-friendly kitchen utensils

When buying ingredients, try to choose natural foods that are not overly processed, such as fresh vegetables, fruits and meat.

These foods are not only nutritious, but also relatively low in microplastics. Try to avoid using plastic containers to hold food such as oil, wine and vinegar to reduce potential sources of microplastics.

When dealing with raw meat, vegetables and fruits, it is recommended to use a non-plastic cutting board.

Raw meat and seafood should be thoroughly washed before cooking (avoid eating parts of seafood such as innards and gills) to reduce the risk of microplastic ingestion.

It is recommended to use wooden cutlery instead of single-use plastic cutlery during meals, and use reusable cotton or glass kitchen items instead of single-use plastic wrap and plastic bags.

When eating out or buying takeout food, you should try to choose to use environmentally friendly packaging or degradable material packaging to minimize reliance on disposable plastic products.

Avoid the reuse of disposable plastic products, and properly dispose of them after use, and do not discard them at will. At the same time, actively participate in garbage classification to ensure that plastic waste is reasonably recycled and disposed of.

Choose natural materials to minimize skin contact

When buying clothing, try to choose products made from natural fibers (such as cotton, hemp, silk) and avoid buying products made from synthetic fibers (such as polyester, nylon), which may release microplastics during washing.

In addition, it is recommended to use natural, no-additive chemicals to reduce the potential risk of ingesting microplastics through skin contact.

At the same time, wash chemical products correctly according to the instructions to avoid residue.