Insights on Microplastics with Dana
Research is mounting about the risks microplastics pose for human health and the environment. But, for many conscious consumers, it can be tricky to fully understand the risks and what to do to keep your family safe. So, to help shed light on the dangers of microplastics, we hosted a Q&A with Dana, a microplastics researcher, sustainability influencer, and the creator of the Microplastic Free app.
In this blog, we explore the everyday reality of microplastic exposure, unexpected ways you can be exposed, and why reducing plastic is vital for both human health and the planet. Keep reading to discover Dana’s expert insights!
Q: What first drew you to studying microplastics, and why does this topic feel so important right now?
A: Actually, I wasn’t really interested in microplastics research at first. This is because in my environmental courses, we never covered it. This led me to believe that this topic is unimportant and the problem is negligible, especially compared to climate change, pesticide pollution and air pollution. But when my professor suggested doing research on microplastics, I decided to read some papers about it and understand what all the fuss is about. That’s when I understood that microplastics are everywhere and are affecting ecosystems. It wasn’t because the topic is irrelevant that we didn’t study it, it just was so new that there were no textbooks or experts in the area.
Q: For someone new to the topic, how do you define microplastics and what kinds of risks do they pose?
A: Microplastics are just small particles of plastic. So any plastic that is less than 5 mm is considered microplastics. They can be primary (ie. plastics that are manufactured to be small, for example plastic glitter, or microplastics that are used as ingredients in personal care products) or secondary (i.e. those that broke down from larger plastic objects, for example when you cut on a plastic cutting board, the small particles that are cut from it are secondary microplastics).
Q: As a researcher, what are the most concerning ways you see microplastics entering our bodies and the environment?
A: The biggest sources I would highlight are plastic cutlery (or any plastic you use in the kitchen), “paper cups” [which are often lined with plastic], plastic packaging, synthetic textiles (polyester, nylon, acrylics). For the environment, just the sheer amount of plastic that enters the water or natural places and leaching chemicals is not normal.
Q: When it comes to bottles, why is plastic-free so important, especially for babies and kids?
A: Plastic bottles, especially when heated, can release thousands of microplastics. Babies in general are disproportionately exposed to microplastics. A reusable, plastic-free bottle is an easy, cheap and effective way to reduce plastic exposure and waste!
Q: Why is avoiding plastic products safer than buying BPA-free plastic?
A: First, BPA-free labels are not regulated in every country, so that will depend on the area you live in. Second, BPA is only one type of bisphenol, so BPA-free does not mean it’s BPS- or BPAF-free (other types of bisphenol), not to mention other plastic associated chemicals that might be potentially in your plastic product.
Q: What made you realize parents and consumers needed the MicroplasticFree app?
A: Before I started my research, I wasn’t aware how many things are made out of plastic around us. I’m not talking about obvious things like plastic bottles, bags, toys or clothing but plastic teabags, “paper cups” [which are often lined with plastic], aluminium cans lined with plastic, chewing gum, wet wipes and the list goes on. I wanted to give people the knowledge and, in the future, better options.
Q: What key benefits do you see for starting a plastic-free journey early in a child’s life?
A: It’s important as babies are in a state of physiological development, making them more vulnerable to chemical exposure. By removing this exposure, we can lower the risks and support healthier long-term development. Beyond that, it can be cost-effective! For example, using a reusable cotton cloth instead of purchasing dozens of wet wipes packs. Finally, this is better for our environment and reduces our carbon footprint and waste. In my opinion, it’s very important to pass a cleaner and liveable planet to the next generation.
Q: What are the first three easy swaps you’d recommend for families looking to reduce their microplastic exposure and environmental impact?
A: A wooden, glass or metal cutting board instead of a plastic one, reusable glass/metal containers, and a plastic-free reusable bottle.
At Pura Stainless, our mission is to make reducing your family’s exposure to microplastics as easy and seamless as possible. That’s why we innovated the first, and only, line of 100% plastic-free water bottles and baby bottles on the global market. To start making the switch to plastic-free, eco-friendly products, head to our website to shop now!
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Sources from Dana:
10.1016/0049-0172(94)90104-x
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK44789/
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.est.0c07781
Snekkevik, V. K., Cole, M., Gomiero, A., Haave, M., Khan, F. R., & Lusher, A. L. (2024). Beyond the food on your plate: Investigating sources of microplastic contamination in home kitchens. Heliyon, 10(15).
