Experts say most people already have some level of microplastics in their bodies.
Studies have also lookedat the effect that microplastics have on our cells and organoids, Alan told HuffPost.
Research shows that when microplastics get into our cells it can lead to cell death, she said.
Additionally, they can attack our DNA and cause unwanted DNA changes, Alan explained.
This sounds scary and itisscary but it doesnt mean you should totally panic.
Our body is trained to handle these kinds of changes, she noted.
However, therecanbe adverse effects mostnotably cancer and fertility issues.
All in all, this is obviously very concerning, especially given the sheer prevalence of microplastics.
Microplastics often come from food, Alan said.
Whats more, microplastics are thought to becarriers of heavy metalsand other elements.
But know that seafood isnt the only food culprit.
If this feels like a lose-lose situation, you arent wrong.
So what can you do?
Consider your clothing materials.
And then theyre just carried off into the environment … either by air or water.
To limit our exposure … its consumer choice.
(Although thrifting can be a good option, Charles-Guzman noted.)
Rethink your plastic food storage containers.
Food containers and takeout food is a big one, Alan said.
Then, when you eat your meal, youre putting those microplastics in your system, she said.
Microwaving these plastic containers is particularly harmful because they release even more microplasticswhen heated up.
If you could get a paper food container or something non-plastic, thats great, Alan said.
And thats another way you’re free to reduce your intake of these plastics.
you could also opt for glass containers, which are readily available online and at most home retail stores.
Choose reusable water bottles when possible.
Its well-known thatplastic water bottlesare bad for the environment.
Even more, they are a source of the microplastics, Alan said.
To avoid the microplastics, simply switch to metal or glass reusablewater bottles.
Pay attention to microbeads in personal care items.
From there, the microplastics get distributed in our seafood, drinking water and more.
We hope the scope of the statute expands to ban microbeads in more consumer products.
Show your support for those who are working to combat microplastics.
This article originally appeared onHuffPost.
