Wash — and learn.
“The next time you’re using a tumble dryer, take a look at the lint catcher,” materials scientist Joshua Grolman told The Post. “All of this debris is what we breathe in on a daily basis.”
Microplastics are ubiquitous, found in everything from toys and cosmetics to cleaning products and clothing. They’re in the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink and swim in.
These particles, which slough off larger plastic, are suspected to harm reproductive, digestive and respiratory health, potentially leading to infertility, colon cancer and lung problems.
Scientists are still determining the effects that these shreds, smaller than a grain of rice, have on the environment and our bodies. That’s why minimizing exposure is so important.
Grolman reveals three ways that he limits contact with microplastics at home and work.
Choose clothing wisely
Synthetic clothing — made from materials like polyester, nylon and acrylic — is a significant source of microplastic pollution.
Fibers are shed during manufacturing, wear and especially during washing.
“I only buy wool, linen and hemp clothing for my family because they perform better than synthetic fibers to wick away sweat in the heat,” shared Grolman, an assistant professor of materials science and engineering at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology.
“While they are often more expensive than their synthetic counterparts, it’s important to focus on quality over quantity when purchasing the clothes you wear every day.”
Natural fibers, such as cotton, wool, linen and hemp, are derived from plants or animals and are biodegradable.
That means they naturally break down at the end of their life cycle and return to the earth.
Whichever fabric you select, Grolman recommends hanging clothes to dry to increase their durability.
Avoid disposable plastic products
Americans order takeout or delivery an average of 4.5 times a month, according to 2023 survey data from US Foods.
Unfortunately, carryout containers can release microplastics into food, especially when microwaved or reused several times. And beware the disposable cutlery that often accompanies a takeout meal.
Grolman eschews these utensils since they are often made from low-quality plastics that break or chip easily.
“It doesn’t take up much room in your backpack or briefcase to carry a titanium or stainless steel utensil set packed away in a sleeve,” he said.
“I simply wipe the utensils with a napkin after eating and then wash them each night when I get home.”
He also suggests carrying a stainless steel water bottle that can be filled at cafés instead of getting a to-go cup.
“Most disposable coffee cups are made of paper coated with a thin film of plastic on the inside,” he explained.
“As you’ve probably noticed, this film can come off with little abrasion, especially if you have hot liquid sitting in there for a long time.”
Grolman also avoids canned beverages, which contain a thin plastic or polymer liner on the inside to prevent the drink from reacting with the aluminum.
This lining can break down and release microplastics, especially if the liquid is acidic.
Drive less
Car tires, especially those on heavier vehicles, produce a lot of microplastics as they wear down from everyday use.
Grolman prefers to commute by bike.
“A common misconception is that biking outside exposes you to more pollution than driving in a car,” he said.
“However, when you’re in bumper-to-bumper traffic, the air intake of your car is right next to the tail pipe of the car in front of you, and it’s usually low to the road where tire abrasion occurs.”
Other advantages of cycling include increased physical activity, fuel savings and a lower carbon footprint.
Over 705,000 Americans primarily bike to work, according to US Census estimates. That number is on an upswing but still below the 2014 peak of 904,000 bike commuters.
While it may not be practical to bike all the time, Grolman advises “keeping an open mind” about alternatives to cars. And if you must get behind the wheel, try to curb drive time.
“If I have to drive somewhere,” Grolman said, “I always make an effort to limit the amount of time I spend on roads with heavy car traffic.”
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