Plastic pollution isn't just in our oceans. It's in our bodies

Would an intelligent species jeopardize its own ability to survive? The excessive use of plastic in our society is posing a serious risk to humans and to the health of the planet.

Plastic is a synthetic material made of large molecules called polymers, and is derived from crude oil, natural gas or coal. When plastic enters the environment, it jeopardizes the health of the systems humans rely on — including our atmosphere, soils, water, and our own bodies. Plastics and petroleum are well-known environmental contaminants.

It is impossible to avoid plastic completely but there are many ways to reduce your use and avoid exposure. Products made of plastic have infiltrated the natural world because plastic is convenient, cheap, and versatile. But is it safe? The answer, for the most part, is no. There are no truly safe plastics. Recent scientific research confirms that plastics labeled as "BPA-free" also leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals and actively generate free radicals that damage human tissue.

The harmful chemicals that leach from plastic contribute to long-term environmental pollution. Human bodies run the risk of accumulating nanoplastics small enough to pass through intestinal walls, the blood-brain barrier, and circulate into organs and tissues. Long-term exposure to these chemicals is a serious health threat. Studies have shown that chemicals in plastic mimic estrogen and cause hormone disruption, reducing testosterone production and lowering reproduction rates in males.

Every year, the world produces over 462 million metric tons of plastic. While plastic can be a useful material, it is polluting our planet and disrupting vital biological systems. Almost 40% of all plastic produced consists of single-use items, such as plastic cups, water bottles, to-go food containers and cutlery. This is a massive misuse of plastic when there are many alternatives that are less harmful. It is interesting to see other states and countries using these alternatives. During a recent layover at San Francisco International Airport, water for sale was packaged in aluminum, and filtered refill water stations were located throughout the concourses. The airport prohibits the sale of single-use plastic water bottles and other single use plastic products in their restaurants.

Unfortunately, an estimated 9 million to 14 million metric tons of plastic waste will end up in our oceans each year. The world economy will eventually suffer from the use of plastics as society struggles to deal with the aftermath of our addiction to hydrocarbons.

In 2024, Columbia and Rutgers universities released a landmark study on nanoplastics in bottled water. They found that hazardous additives and microscopic fragments of plastic leach into the water. Researchers found that concentrations of microplastics are much higher than previously thought, averaging 240,000 fragments per liter. In 2026, the same research team at Columbia University conducted another major study which revealed that when microscopic plastic fragments come into contact with water, they are not inert, they actively generate harmful reactive molecules in the water they occupy.

Plastic containers are especially reactive when they are exposed to heat, freezing, sunlight, or are degraded. Experts advise never using plastic in the microwave, and food should always be cooled before being stored in plastic. Consumers should avoid storing fatty or acidic food in plastic because these foods absorb more contaminants.

There are many safer alternatives to plastic, including reusable stainless steel, glass and lead-free ceramics. Consumers can look for restaurants that use paper products, wood cutlery and plant-based containers (bioplastics) for takeout. It is also important to prevent plastic from touching food in appliances such as coffee makers and blenders. It is best to avoiding plastic cutting boards and plastic utensils which can also contaminate food with microplastics.  

Parents can reduce their children’s exposure to plastic by buying plastic-free toys. Young children put objects in their mouths, so it is best to avoid giving them items like cell phones, remote controls, and other electronics that may contain harmful additives such as flame retardants. Additionally, the use of plastic pacifiers, teething rings, and formula bottles exposes children to microplastic contamination.

Recycling plastic has become less and less viable and today less than 10% of plastics are recycled. It would make sense to discontinue the production and use of single-use plastics to reduce the negative impact on global life systems. Humans, being highly intelligent creatures, can make more rational choices with the solid scientific evidence available. We will find new, life-affirming ways to live cleanly and sustainably on this beautiful planet Earth.