Shaking, higher temperatures, and longer incubation times promoted microplastic release. Based on their results, the authors estimated that drinking from a plastic cup every four to five days leads to the ingestion of between 37,613 and 89,294 microplastics per year.
Microplastics were released from different types of disposable drink cups. Violent shaking could cause the plastic cups to release more microplastics. Washing plastic cups before use reduced the risks of microplastic release. People may ingest 37,613–89,294 microplastics through plastic cups a year.
It has been found to contain other potentially harmful chemicals, like microplastics, microfibers, and fellow EDC phthalates, that can leach into water if exposed to heat or left to sit for long periods of time.
Microplastics (MPs) have attracted considerable attention as one of the most remarkable food and drink pollutants in recent years. Disposable cups, which are widely used as single-use containers, have been suspected as the primary sources of MPs found in cold and hot beverages.
All containers produced microplastics from 10 to 710 particles/L. Higher storage temperature and washing caused increased microplastic production. Microplastic production was not correlated with storage time.
For example, due to the wear/tear and continuous use of the self-sealing plastic ziplock bag, the plastics can be broken down and release some debris as microplastics.
Old Tupperware, especially those over a decade old, might contain hazardous chemicals like cadmium, lead, and arsenic. These can leach into your food, posing significant health risks. Vintage Tupperware products are particularly concerning due to the potential leaching of additional harmful substances.
According to National Geographic's The Green Guide, plastics #2, #4 and #5 are the safest for repeatedly storing your food. If you reuse items made from plastics #1, #3, #6 and #7 (some Tupperware products are made from #7), you run the risk of having toxic chemicals leach into the contents.
“The slow decomposition of disposable cups, especially those with plastic linings, can lead to the release of microplastics into the environment,” and on the off chance that your disposable cup winds up in waste bound for incineration, that process “can release pollutants into the air”.
Phthalates are commonly used to make plastics more flexible, but they also leach into food and drink and are linked to similar health problems. In conclusion, it is generally safe to put your coffee in a plastic cup as long as you choose the right type of cup and avoid cups that contain harmful chemicals.
Food and beverage containers, some disposable plates, and toiletry bottles are all plastic and all are made from chemicals. Research suggests that all plastics may leach chemicals if they're scratched or heated.
Are any brands of water bottles free of microplastics? No. Single-use and reusable plastic water bottles have or will shed microplastics into the liquids they contain.
Research finds microplastics in our stool and urine. And Joana Prata says her review of animal data suggests that, in principle, most of what we ingest or inhale will leave the body during a trip to the bathroom.
The Brita Hub™ is certified to reduce 70+ contaminants including chlorine, lead, and microplastics.
The first thing we should do is avoid single-use plastics, especially food and beverage packaging and to-go containers that shed microplastics into what we eat and drink. It has been shown that bottled water has higher levels of microplastics than tap water. Avoid highly-processed foods.
Scientists found that tiny flecks of calcium carbonate will ensnare plastic particles. These bits of calcium carbonate are large enough that they can then be removed by pouring the water through a coffee filter. This approach is more effective in hard water than soft.
Removing microplastics from your body is not easy, and it's a continuous effort. It requires commitment to limit our exposure to the best of our ability and focus on a healthy lifestyle. This can aid the bodies' natural detoxification processes.
As reported in ACS' Environmental Science & Technology Letters, boiling and filtering calcium-containing tap water could help remove nearly 90% of the nano- and microplastics present.
Plastic Wraps
Plastic wrap is a significant source of microplastics. Instead, consider using reusable cling wrap made from cotton fabric coated with beeswax, which can be easily made at home or purchased from grocery stores. Another sustainable option is to use glass jars or storage containers.
Ziploc®-brand containers are quoted to have a 5-10 year lifespan, but a good rule of thumb is to assume all older Tupperware is not safe, especially if you don't remember how long you've had it.
“Microwaving can also enhance the release of tiny plastic particles called microplastics into foods and drinks,” Johnson-Arbor says.
While there is no set timeframe for replacing plastic food containers, experts say they should be tossed out when they show visible wear, chips, cracks, or signs of stains and odors. In place of plastic containers, experts recommend opting for glass or stainless steel instead.
Constructed from durable, BPA-free plastic, these food containers are built to withstand a wide range of temperatures and are dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe.
Since March 2010, items Tupperware sells in the US and Canada are BPA-free, according to its website.