Producing, using, and throwing out plastic pollutes the air, water, and soil and exposes us to microplastics and plastics-related chemicals. These can have lasting health consequences.

DAILY PLASTIC EXPOSURE

Plastics are everywhere in modern life. Some uses are necessary and irreplaceable. Other uses are not, like the ones listed below, but safe alternatives for them exist.

• Food and Drink Packaging
• Baby Toys and Supplies
• Personal Care Products
• Artificial Turf
• Clothes, Carpet and Furniture
• Plastic Film and Bags

PLASTIC POLLUTION

Fossil fuels are turned into plastics, most of which cannot be recycled and end up as waste, polluting the air, soil, water, and food.

• Plastics break down into microplastics in landfills
• Washing synthetic clothes and textiles releases microplastics and chemicals into waterways
• Sewage sludge containing micro-plastics and toxic chemicals is often used as fertilizer on farms
• Tiny plastic pellets called nurdles spill from factories and from ships and trains during transit
• Plastic paint for ships, buildings and roads is the #1 source of microplastics in the ocean
• Friction between the road and tires releases microplastics while driving

HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

Plastic products release chemicals, microplastics, and nanoplastics. These are small enough to cross our body’s barriers when we breathe them in or ingest them.

Plastic Chemicals

Plastic products are made with many different chemicals that can migrate into food and drink (especially when heated) or be absorbed through the skin. Many commonly used chemicals – such as bisphenols, phthalates, flame retardants, and PFAS (“forever chemicals”) – have been proven to be harmful.

Decades of research show how these chemicals in plastic can lead to:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Thyroid Problems
• Kidney and Breast Cancer
• Decreased Sperm Count
• Infertility and Miscarriage
• Neurodevelopmental Problems

Micro and Nanoplastics

All plastic breaks down into microplastics and nanoplastics sooner or later. Sunlight, friction, heat, water, acidity, and general use cause the process to happen faster. Microplastics can be the size of a grain of salt or smaller, while nanoplastics are smaller than a particle of smoke or a human cell.

Early research indicates that micro- and nanoplastics could be linked to:

• Cardiovascular Disease
• Gut Problems
• Colon Cancer
• Infertility
• Dementia

WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED?

99% of plastic is made from fossil fuels. Drilling for it, manufacturing it, using it, and burning it as trash causes:

• air pollution that increases the risk of heart, lung, and brain diseases
• worsened health outcomes for people working or living near these industrial sites
• greenhouse gas emissions that cause extreme weather events and increased risks of heat-related illnesses and disruptive floods

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF, MY FAMILY, AND OTHERS?

Many chemicals leave our bodies via urine within a day. Since they don’t hang around, we can limit our overall exposure by avoiding products that contain them in the first place. For microplastics, we can reduce the amount we absorb by eating fiber-rich and unprocessed food, using plastic-free food packaging, filtering water, and breathing clean air.

To reduce personal exposure:

• Use glass or ceramic in the microwave, not plastic. Let food cool before placing it in plastic containers.
• Replace non-stick pans with stainless steel or cast iron. Use wood or silicone utensils.
• Opt for fresh or frozen foods instead of ultra-processed food.
• Vacuum or mop regularly to reduce dust at home.
• Use HEPA filters or open windows near trees to improve ventilation.
• Choose non-plastic toys for infants. Use natural fibers for clothes and bedding.
• Check the safety of your products with apps like Clearya, certifiers like Made Safe and EWG Verified, or testers like Consumer Reports.

To reduce overall plastic pollution:

• Bring your own bags to the store.
• Bring your own bottles, mugs, plates, and utensils to work or school.
• Choose products and produce with little or no packaging. Use bulk bins if available.
• Buy clothing made from natural fibers. Opt for second-hand items to reduce fast fashion.
• Wash your clothes, sheets and towels in cold water. Attach a filter to your washing machine.
• Shop mindfully for long lasting products that you will use regularly.
• Call or email your elected officials with your concerns about plastic pollution, chemical exposure, climate change, and air pollution.

A microfiber is a tiny strand of material shed from fabric. Nearly 70% of textiles, including clothing, are now made from synthetic fibers (i.e. plastic), which shed microfibers and chemical additives into the air, water, and our bodies.

Exposure Pathways

Inhalation

Microfibers are shed from carpets, upholstery, blankets and clothing, and accumulate in the air and dust.

Ingestion

Microfibers are present in water and food. They accumulate in soil and are taken up by plants and crops – and us

Dermal Contact

Our skin absorbs chemicals used in textile treatments (water-proofing, anti-stain chemicals, etc).

Common Chemicals

Microfibers may contain:

• PFAS (“forever chemicals”)
• Dyes and pigments
• Flame retardants
• Pesticides
• Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)

Health Implications

Microfibers may pose unique risks because their shape and large surface area allow them to carry chemicals on their surface. Although research on microfibers is still developing, studies suggest possible links to multiple health concerns, including:

• Dementia-related pathways
• Reproductive challenges/infertility
• Respiratory disease
• Cardiovascular disease
• Digestive Inflammation
• Premature birth

Who is at risk?

Everyone is exposed to microfibers.

Workers in textile industries experience higher rates of respiratory disease, suggesting that long-term inhalation of microfibers may contribute to reduced lung function.

Should I Be Worried?

1. Microfibers are extremely difficult to remove from the environment and from bodies.
2. Plastic production – and in turn microplastic pollution– is increasing exponentially.
3. Solutions that reduce microfiber pollution benefit everyone.

Solutions

Ways to Reduce Exposure

• Buy cotton or wool textiles when possible, especially for infants.
• Purchase items secondhand.
• Install HEPA air filters at home.
• Look for “PFAS-free” or “PFC-free” waterproofing labels.
• Air dry clothes when possible or use heat pump dryers.
• Install filters for your washer and dryer.
• Look for OEKO-TEX Standard 100, bluesign, or GOTS certifications.
• Vacuum and dust regularly in indoor spaces.

How to Make Systems Change

Microfiber pollution can be reduced when communities, institutions, and policymakers act together – all are needed.

Collective Voice

Use your power as a voter, consumer, employee, and community member to push for healthier, safer spaces and systems

Community Action

Reducing the synthetic textiles in your home and wardrobe, as well as schools and workplaces (such as carpets and curtains).

Political Advocacy

Support laws that ban harmful chemicals, require extended producer responsibility, safer textiles, and washing ‑machine filters.

Environmental Implications

Microfibers harm ecosystems. These tiny fibers accumulate in fish, shellfish, and marine mammals where they disrupt feeding, growth and reproduction. Synthetic microfibers are more toxic than other microplastic particles, and can accumulate in the digestive system.