Your Questions, Answered
Everything you need to know about plastic & your health
We get asked these questions all the time. Here are honest, research-backed answers — and where to find the right swap when one exists.
Category
The Science of Microplastics
🔥 Most Asked
What exactly are microplastics — and why should I care?
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments smaller than 5mm — some so small they're measured in nanometres (nanoplastics). They come from the breakdown of larger plastic items, from synthetic textiles, from plastic packaging in contact with food, and from many everyday products. Because they're so small, they pass through biological barriers that larger particles can't. Peer-reviewed research has now detected microplastics in human blood, lung tissue, liver, kidney, breast milk, placenta, and arterial plaque. They're not just an environmental problem — they are inside us, accumulating faster than our bodies can clear them.
Science
How much plastic am I actually consuming each week?
Research published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology estimated that the average person ingests between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles per year through food and drink alone — roughly equivalent to a credit card's worth of plastic (about 5 grams) every week. Add inhalation of airborne fibres and that number climbs further. The majority comes from drinking water, seafood, salt, and food packaged or heated in plastic containers.
Science
What are nanoplastics, and are they more dangerous than microplastics?
Nanoplastics are plastic particles smaller than 1 micron (0.001mm). They are a subset of microplastics but are considered significantly more concerning because their tiny size allows them to cross the blood-brain barrier, enter individual cells, and penetrate deep into organ tissue. They also carry a greater surface area relative to their mass, meaning more chemical leaching per particle. The 2024 NEJM study specifically identified nanoplastics in arterial plaque — the same plaque that ruptures to cause heart attacks and strokes.
Science
Does my body naturally eliminate microplastics on its own?
Some larger microplastic particles do pass through the digestive tract and are excreted. However, smaller particles — particularly nanoplastics — are absorbed into the bloodstream and deposited in tissues and organs where they accumulate over time. The body has no dedicated mechanism to clear particles from arterial plaque or deep organ tissue. This is why reducing ongoing intake matters: the less you consume, the less accumulates.
Category
Health Effects
🔥 Most Asked
Are microplastics actually proven to be harmful to human health?
The short answer is: the evidence is strong and growing, and the risk is no longer theoretical. The 2024 NEJM study — one of the largest of its kind — found people with microplastics in their arterial plaque were 4.5 times more likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke, or die over the study period compared to those without detectable levels. Researchers also link microplastic exposure to hormonal disruption (via plasticiser chemicals like BPA and phthalates), inflammation, and immune system interference. Calling this conclusively "proven" depends on the standard of proof you apply — but cardiologists and toxicologists treating this as a genuine risk factor is a meaningful signal.
Health
What is BPA and why is it in plastic products?
BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical used to harden plastic, found in polycarbonate bottles, food can linings, and thermal receipt paper. It is an endocrine disruptor — meaning it mimics oestrogen and interferes with hormonal signalling. Documented effects include disruption to reproductive hormones, thyroid function, and insulin sensitivity. Heating BPA plastic significantly accelerates leaching into food and drink. "BPA-free" products often substitute structurally similar chemicals (BPS, BPF) that carry similar concerns — the replacement isn't necessarily the solution.
Health
What are phthalates and which products contain them?
Phthalates are plasticiser chemicals added to PVC plastic to make it flexible. They're found in food packaging, cling wrap, vinyl flooring, shower curtains, personal care products, and soft plastic toys. Like BPA, phthalates are endocrine disruptors — linked to reduced testosterone, altered foetal development, increased risk of early puberty in girls, and metabolic issues. Because they're not chemically bonded to the plastic, they migrate easily into food — especially fatty foods — and are inhaled from dust in rooms with vinyl flooring.
Health
Are children more at risk from microplastic exposure than adults?
Yes — in several important ways. Children have higher hand-to-mouth contact, spend more time on the floor (where settled microplastic fibres concentrate), and have less developed blood-brain barriers that provide less protection against nanoplastics. Their developing hormonal systems are also more sensitive to endocrine disruptors like BPA and phthalates. Studies have found higher microplastic concentrations in infants' stools compared to adults, partly attributed to plastic feeding products and toys.
Health
Can microplastics affect fertility and hormones?
Research strongly suggests yes. Plasticiser chemicals — particularly phthalates and BPA — are well-established endocrine disruptors. Studies have linked higher phthalate levels to lower sperm count and motility in men, and disrupted menstrual cycles and ovarian function in women. Microplastics have been detected in human placenta and follicular fluid, indicating they reach the reproductive system. While isolating plastic exposure as the sole cause of fertility decline is difficult, it is considered a contributing factor by reproductive health researchers.
Health
If I reduce my plastic exposure now, will it actually make a difference?
Yes — meaningfully. Studies show that dietary changes alone can reduce urinary BPA and phthalate levels by 50–70% within just a few days. Because the body does clear some microplastics through normal metabolism, lowering your ongoing intake directly reduces the rate at which they accumulate. The focus should be on the highest-frequency exposure points: what you cook in, what you store food in, and what you drink from — because these happen multiple times every single day.
Category
Kitchen & Cookware
🔥 Most Asked
Are plastic cutting boards dangerous? Should I switch to wood?
Yes — plastic cutting boards are a significant and often overlooked source of microplastic ingestion. A 2023 study estimated that cutting vegetables on a plastic board generates approximately 14–71 milligrams of microplastic particles per year — particles that go directly onto your food. The more scratched and older the board, the more plastic is shed. Wooden cutting boards (end-grain hardwood such as maple or walnut) do not shed plastic particles. They do harbour bacteria in scratches — but unlike microplastics, bacteria can be killed with cleaning. For a surface that contacts every meal you prepare, switching to wood or bamboo is one of the highest-impact kitchen swaps you can make.
Kitchen
Is non-stick Teflon cookware safe to use?
Teflon (PTFE) coating is chemically stable at normal cooking temperatures, but starts to degrade above 260°C (500°F) — temperatures easily reached on a high-heat hob or when a pan is left empty. When degraded, it releases PFAS ("forever chemicals") and microparticles into food and the air. Even at lower temperatures, scratched or chipped Teflon sheds particles into meals. The coating has a limited lifespan of roughly 3–5 years even with careful use. Cast iron, stainless steel, and carbon steel are inert alternatives with indefinite lifespans.
⚠️ Avoid: switch to cast iron or stainless steel
Kitchen
Is it safe to microwave food in plastic containers?
No — microwaving is one of the highest-risk scenarios for plastic leaching. Heat causes plastic polymers to break down and release BPA, phthalates, and microplastic particles. A 2023 study found that microwaving food in plastic containers released up to 2 billion nanoplastic and 4 million microplastic particles per square centimetre of container within just 3 minutes. Even containers labelled "microwave safe" meet a low bar — that label means the container won't melt, not that it won't leach chemicals. Always transfer food to glass or ceramic before reheating.
⚠️ High risk — use glass or ceramic instead
Kitchen
Are plastic food storage containers (Tupperware) safe for cold food?
At refrigerator temperatures, leaching is significantly reduced compared to heating — but not eliminated entirely. Fatty foods, acidic foods (tomato sauce, citrus), and alcoholic liquids accelerate chemical migration even cold. Older, scratched containers shed more particles than new ones. The safest approach is to use glass or stainless steel for food storage regardless of temperature — particularly for leftovers that will be reheated, acidic foods, or anything stored long-term. Glass is completely inert at all temperatures.
⚡ Caution: acceptable short-term, switch long-term
Kitchen
Do plastic cooking utensils leach into food?
Yes — especially when exposed to heat. A 2021 study found that nylon and other plastic cooking spatulas shed millions of microplastic particles into food at normal cooking temperatures. Melamine utensils (common wooden-look plastics) release formaldehyde under heat. The fix is simple: switch to wood, bamboo, or stainless steel utensils. These are inert at cooking temperatures, last longer, and are available for a few pounds or euros — making this one of the easiest high-impact swaps in the kitchen.
⚠️ Switch to wood, bamboo, or stainless steel
Kitchen
Is cling film (plastic wrap) safe to use with food?
Cling film is typically made from PVC or PVDC, both of which contain plasticiser chemicals — predominantly phthalates — that migrate into food. The transfer is especially high with fatty foods like cheese, meat, and leftovers with oil or butter. Microwaving with cling film is the highest-risk use case: heat drives rapid chemical migration. Alternatives include beeswax wraps, silicone lids, glass containers with lids, and simply placing a plate over a bowl. All of these eliminate the contact point entirely.
⚠️ High risk with fatty foods or heat — switch to beeswax or glass
Category
Drinking Water
🔥 Most Asked
Does bottled water contain microplastics? Is it worse than tap water?
Yes — and often significantly worse than tap water. A 2018 study tested 259 bottled water products from 11 brands across 9 countries and found microplastic contamination in 93% of samples — at concentrations roughly twice those found in tap water in the same regions. The primary source is the plastic bottle itself, caps, and the industrial bottling process. Choosing bottled water over tap in the belief it is cleaner is, from a microplastic perspective, counterproductive. The best approach is filtered tap water stored in glass or stainless steel — not plastic.
⚠️ Bottled water is worse for microplastics — filter tap water instead
Water
Does tap water contain microplastics?
Yes — tap water globally contains microplastics, though concentrations vary significantly by region. A 2017 global study found 83% of tap water samples worldwide contained plastic fibres, with the US showing the highest rates (94%). The contamination comes from atmospheric deposition, ageing pipe infrastructure, and water treatment plants not designed to filter particles this small. The good news: a high-quality gravity filter or reverse osmosis system removes the majority of these particles before they reach your glass.
Water
What type of water filter actually removes microplastics?
Not all filters are equal. Standard carbon block filters reduce some microplastics but miss the smallest particles. The most effective options are: Reverse osmosis (RO) — removes up to 99% of microplastics and most contaminants; best for under-sink installation. Gravity filters with certified ceramic/carbon elements (like Berkey) — highly effective, no electricity or plumbing required; ideal for renters. Pitcher-style filters (Brita, etc.) — reduce chlorine and some contaminants but offer limited microplastic removal. For meaningful reduction, gravity or RO filtration is the recommendation.
Water
Do plastic kettles or water boilers leach microplastics?
Yes — and boiling water accelerates the process. Studies have found that plastic electric kettles can release hundreds of thousands of microplastic particles per litre of boiled water, depending on the plastic type and age of the kettle. Interestingly, a 2024 study found that boiling hard tap water in a kettle — even a plastic one — actually causes microplastics to bind to the limestone scale and precipitate out, reducing nanoplastic levels in the poured water. That said, switching to a stainless steel or glass kettle eliminates the source entirely and is the simpler, more reliable solution.
⚡ Upgrade to stainless steel or glass kettle when possible
Category
Air Quality & Home Environment
🔥 Most Asked
Are we inhaling microplastics indoors? Is indoor air worse than outdoor?
Yes — and indoor air is often significantly worse than outdoor air for microplastic fibre concentration. The main sources are synthetic textiles (polyester clothing, sofas, carpets, curtains) which continuously shed microfibres as they move or are cleaned. Studies have found microplastic fibre concentrations in indoor air up to 100 times higher in some homes compared to outdoor air nearby. These fibres settle on surfaces and become airborne again with movement and cleaning. A True HEPA air purifier captures particles down to 0.3 microns and significantly reduces the concentration of airborne fibres — particularly in bedrooms where you spend many hours breathing while asleep.
Air & Home
Does house dust contain microplastics?
Yes — extensively. Studies consistently find that house dust is one of the most concentrated microplastic environments tested, with synthetic textile fibres dominating. These fibres come from clothing, bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Children and pets — who spend more time on the floor and have greater hand-to-mouth contact — are exposed to the highest concentrations. Reducing synthetic textiles in the home, vacuuming regularly with a HEPA-filtered vacuum, and using a HEPA air purifier are the most effective interventions.
Air & Home
Do synthetic carpets and rugs release microplastics?
Yes — synthetic carpets (nylon, polyester, polypropylene) are a significant and continuous source of indoor microplastic fibres. Every footstep, vacuum pass, and air movement releases fibres that become airborne and eventually inhaled or ingested. Wool and cotton rugs do not shed synthetic microfibres, though they do require more maintenance. If replacing flooring isn't practical, placing natural fibre rugs over synthetic carpet in high-use areas (bedroom, living room) reduces exposure. Regular HEPA vacuuming — not brush-roller-only vacuums — is also important.
Air & Home
Does washing synthetic clothes release microplastics?
Yes — laundry is one of the largest pathways for microplastic release into the water system. A single wash cycle of a synthetic garment can release 700,000 to 1 million+ microplastic fibres, which pass through most wastewater treatment systems and enter rivers and oceans. You also inhale fibres from clothes drying indoors. Practical mitigations: use a washing bag designed to capture microfibres (such as a Guppyfriend bag), wash on lower temperatures with shorter cycles, and air-dry outside where possible. Choosing natural-fibre clothing (cotton, linen, wool) is the most complete solution.
Category
Environmental Impact
🔥 Most Asked
Do microplastics actually break down in the environment, or do they last forever?
Plastics do not biodegrade in any meaningful timeframe — they photodegrade: UV light and physical weathering break them into progressively smaller pieces. A plastic bottle that ends up in the ocean doesn't disappear — it fragments into thousands of microplastics, which fragment further into nanoplastics. This process can take hundreds to thousands of years for the original polymer chains to fully break apart. In the meantime, every fragment is bioavailable to marine and terrestrial organisms across the entire food chain. The plastic produced 50 years ago is still in the environment — as smaller and smaller particles.
Environment
Are microplastics found in the ocean and in seafood?
Yes — pervasively. Microplastics have been found in every ocean on Earth, including the deepest trenches of the Mariana Trench and in Arctic sea ice. Fish, shellfish, crustaceans, and even sea salt are contaminated. Shellfish such as mussels and oysters — consumed whole — carry the highest concentrations since they filter large volumes of water. A 2017 study estimated that regular shellfish consumers ingest up to 11,000 microplastic particles per year from seafood alone. Reducing seafood consumption doesn't necessarily mean reducing exposure — the priority is broader exposure reduction across all sources.
Environment
Does recycling plastic actually solve the microplastic problem?
Recycling reduces the volume of new plastic produced, which is genuinely positive — but it does not address microplastic pollution already in the environment, and the recycling process itself generates microplastics. Mechanical recycling grinds and reprocesses plastic in ways that release particles. Additionally, only about 9% of plastic ever produced has been recycled. Recycling is necessary but not sufficient — reducing plastic use at the source (especially single-use items) has a far greater impact per action than recycling alone.
Environment
Does individual action really make a difference, or is this a corporate / government problem?
Both things are true simultaneously. The plastic crisis at a systems level requires policy and corporate accountability — and that pressure is growing. But individual action also matters in two concrete ways. First, reducing your personal exposure directly protects your health — you don't have to wait for policy to benefit from switching your cookware and water filter. Second, collective consumer demand shapes what gets produced and regulated. Every household that makes these changes both protects its own health and signals that the market exists for plastic-free alternatives.
Category
Safe Materials — What to Use Instead
🔥 Most Asked
Is silicone safe? Is it really plastic-free?
Silicone is not a plastic — it's a synthetic polymer made from silicon (a natural element from sand) rather than petroleum-based carbon chains. It is significantly safer than conventional plastic: it does not contain BPA or phthalates, it's heat-stable up to around 200–230°C, and it doesn't leach the same chemicals into food. However, it is not entirely inert. Some studies suggest that lower-quality silicone products can release small amounts of siloxanes (silicone-related compounds) under high heat, particularly above 200°C, and that coloured silicones may contain additives. For food use, platinum-cure, food-grade silicone is the best quality standard. It is considerably safer than plastic — but glass, stainless steel, and cast iron remain the gold standard for cooking and storage.
✅ Safe: a strong plastic alternative, especially food-grade
Materials
Is stainless steel safe for food and drink?
Yes — food-grade stainless steel (18/8 or 304 grade) is one of the safest materials for food contact. It is completely inert at normal food temperatures, does not leach metals into food or drink, and does not react with acidic foods. The nickel content in stainless steel is occasionally raised as a concern — but the amounts that migrate into food are negligible for the vast majority of people. Only individuals with a documented nickel allergy may wish to avoid prolonged contact with acidic foods in stainless steel. For everyone else, it is an excellent, durable, and safe alternative to plastic in the kitchen and for water bottles.
✅ Safe — one of the best plastic-free materials
Materials
Is glass the safest material for food and water storage?
Glass is considered the gold standard for food and water contact — it is completely inert, does not leach any chemicals or particles into food or drink at any temperature, is microwave and dishwasher safe, and lasts indefinitely with normal care. Borosilicate glass (used in quality food storage and lab equipment) is additionally thermal-shock resistant, making it safe for hot liquids and oven use. The only practical downsides are weight and breakability — for situations where these matter (travel, children's use), stainless steel is the best alternative.
✅ Gold standard — completely inert at all temperatures
Materials
Is bamboo safe — or does it contain plastic binders?
Natural bamboo utensils and cutting boards are safe and plastic-free — bamboo is a grass, not a plastic, and does not shed synthetic particles. However, bamboo composite products — including many bamboo plates, cups, and some cutting boards — are made with melamine or formaldehyde-based binders that can leach into food, especially under heat or with acidic foods. The rule: solid, unprocessed bamboo is safe; moulded or pressed bamboo composites should be avoided for hot food contact. Always check that a bamboo product is 100% natural bamboo without resin binders.
⚡ Natural bamboo: safe. Bamboo composite: avoid for hot food
Materials
What plastic types are the most dangerous — what do the recycling numbers mean?
The number in the recycling triangle indicates the plastic resin type. For food contact: Avoid #3 (PVC) — contains phthalates; #6 (PS / Styrofoam) — releases styrene especially under heat; #7 "Other" — a catch-all that often includes polycarbonate (BPA-containing). Lower-risk options: #2 (HDPE), #4 (LDPE), and #5 (PP) are considered relatively safer but still shed microparticles over time and with heat. No plastic is completely risk-free for repeated food heating — the safest approach is to avoid plastic for hot food contact altogether, regardless of number.
⚠️ #3, #6, #7: avoid for food. All plastics: avoid heating.
Question 1 of 9
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Microplastics Exposure Calculator
How much plastic are you consuming?
9 questions about your daily habits — from what you drink to how you cook. You'll get a personalised exposure score, a breakdown of your biggest sources, and a prioritised list of the highest-impact swaps to make first.
5g
plastic consumed weekly by average person
80%
of exposure comes from a few key habits
3 min
to find out where yours comes from
⏱ 3 minutes
🎯 Personalised score
🛒 Product links included
Question 1 of 9 · Drinking Water
What's your main source of drinking water?
Bottled water contains significantly more microplastic particles than filtered tap water — up to 100× more in some studies.
Question 2 of 9 · Kitchen
What do you mainly cook with?
Non-stick coatings break down at high heat and shed microplastics directly into food with every use.
Question 3 of 9 · Kitchen
What do you store leftover food in?
Plastic containers leach BPA and microplastics into food — the leaching increases with heat, scratches, and time.
Question 4 of 9 · Kitchen
Do you microwave food in plastic containers or covered with cling wrap?
Microwaving in plastic massively increases leaching — heat causes the polymer structure to break down and release particles into food.
Question 5 of 9 · Clothing & Laundry
What's your wardrobe mostly made of?
Synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon, acrylic) shed microfibers constantly — through wearing, washing, and simply moving around.
Question 6 of 9 · Laundry
Do you use a microfibre filter on your washing machine?
Each wash cycle releases hundreds of thousands of microfibre particles into the water system. A filter captures up to 90% of them before they escape.
Question 7 of 9 · Kitchen
What kind of cutting board do you use?
Plastic cutting boards shed up to 50 million microplastic particles per year directly into food during normal chopping.
Question 8 of 9 · Bedroom & Air
What's your bedding mostly made of?
Synthetic bedding sheds microfibers while you sleep for 7–9 hours a night — a significant airborne inhalation source that's easy to miss.
Question 9 of 9 · Cleaning
What do you wash dishes with?
Standard yellow sponges are made of plastic foam and shed synthetic fibres into your washing water and onto your dishes every single day.
Calculating your exposure…
Analysing your daily habits across all categories
Your Microplastics Exposure Report
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/ 100 Exposure Score
📊
Estimated weekly intake: – of the average person's 5g weekly dose
Where your exposure is coming from
Your highest-impact changes
These are your biggest wins. For a complete room-by-room breakdown of every swap opportunity across your home, visit the shop.