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Recent studies identified how small pieces of plastic are increasingly being detected in nearly every human organ, including our body fluids and the placenta. This exposure has been tied to a wide range of health risks including heart disease, obesity, infertility, and cancer.

“If we want to stay healthy and live longer, then we need to get serious about limiting the use of plastic materials,” said , who in his role as director of the 91����Ƶ Grossman School of Medicine’s and its has studied potential health impacts of plastic and other environmental chemicals for decades. Dr. Trasande is also the Jim G. Hendrick, MD, Professor of Pediatrics and a professor in the Department of Population Health.

As plastic items are used, heated, or chemically treated, tiny particles can be released and then inhaled or ingested by humans. Mounting evidence also suggests that chemicals used in the production of plastic materials, such as phthalates and bisphenols, may migrate into food, air, and dust, increasing our risk of ingestion. These chemicals may disrupt the function of certain hormones—signaling compounds that circulate in the blood and guide much of the body’s processes.

There are easy, everyday things we can do, however, to limit exposure. “To keep it manageable,” he said, “start with one or two small changes and do not stress about perfection.”

Dr. Trasande’s Tips for Limiting Your Exposure to Microplastics and Phthalates

1. In the pantry and fridge: Swap out plastic food containers for other materials and avoid heating any plastics. Plastic containers marked with recycling numbers 3, 6, or 7, which are often listed on container bottoms, are especially likely to contain phthalates and other additives.
   • Quick action: Reheat and store foods in glass, stainless steel, or ceramic instead of plastic, and keep plastic wrap from touching hot foods.
   • Why it matters: Heat can increase the transfer of additives from plastic to food.
   • Budget start: Save clean glass jars for leftovers. Only use oven or microwave-safe containers to heat food.
   • Caveat: Don’t compromise food safety. Reheat thoroughly and handle hot containers carefully.
2. Drinks: Choose nonplastic drinkware, especially for hot or acidic beverages.
   • Quick action: Use a stainless steel or a glass bottle or mug; avoid steeping tea in plastic cups.
   • Why it matters: Heat and acidity can speed up the leaching of additives, including phthalates and bisphenols.
   • Budget start: Bring a mug from home to the office and skip single‑use cups when possible.
   • Caveat: If you must use plastic, let liquids cool before filling and avoid long soaks.
3. Personal care routine: Choose “fragrance-free” products.
   • Quick action: Check ingredient lists and avoid items that list phthalates (i.e., DBP or DEHP).
   • Why it matters: The term “fragrance” can hide multiple chemicals, and some items may include phthalates or other additives linked to health concerns.
   • Budget start: Switch one daily product first (such as lotion or soap).
   • Caveat: Products labeled “unscented” may still contain fragrances, so look for those labeled “fragrance‑free.”
4. Baby and child items: Prioritize food‑contact and sleep surfaces.
   • Quick action: Use glass or stainless steel feeding items when possible, and avoid heating plastic.
   • Why it matters: Infants and children are still developing and have higher exposure per body weight, making them more vulnerable to potential health effects.
   • Budget start: Begin with one feeding item (for example, a glass baby bottle insert or stainless-steel sippy cup).
   • Caveat: Always follow safety guidance for feeding and sleep.
5. Laundry: Cut microfiber shedding.
   • Quick action: Wash full loads on cold and gentle; line dry when you can; choose natural fibers over synthetic ones when affordable.
   • Why it matters: Washing and drying synthetic fabrics can release microfibers into the water and air.
   • Budget start: Skip the dryer when it comes to gym clothes, which are especially likely to contain plastic.
   • Caveat: Don’t sacrifice hygiene—use warm or hot cycles when needed for illness or heavily soiled items. And clean lint traps regularly.
6. Cleaning: Dust and ventilate regularly.
   • Quick action: Wet-dust and vacuum—use a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter if available—and open windows to let in outside air when possible.
   • Why it matters: Plastic particles and chemical additives can collect in household dust and indoor air.
   • Budget start: Use a damp cloth or mop to clean once each week and target high traffic areas.
7. On‑the‑go and at work: Plan one reusable swap.
   • Quick action: Carry one nonplastic, reusable container/utensil set; choose glass, paper, or aluminum over plastic when options are similar.
   • Why it matters: Single‑use plastics are a major source of environmental microplastics (and limiting use can reduce contact opportunities).
   • Budget start: Keep a spoon/fork and jar in your bag or desk.
   • Caveat: Keep your reusables clean and dry when not in use.

The Bigger Picture

Based on his research, Dr. Trasande also calls for stronger regulatory measures to reduce our dependence on nonessential plastic items and to address disproportionate exposures in low‑income communities with significant health disparities.

“Individuals can make simple changes today, but ultimately, we need smart policies that curb our society’s dependence on plastic and that favor safer materials to lower exposures linked to health concerns,” said Dr. Trasande.

About 91����Ƶ Langone Health

91����Ƶ Langone Health is a fully integrated health system that consistently achieves the best patient outcomes through a rigorous focus on quality that has resulted in some of the lowest mortality rates in the nation. Vizient Inc. has ranked 91����Ƶ Langone No. 1 out of 118 comprehensive academic medical centers across the nation for four years in a row, and U.S. News & World Report recently ranked four of its clinical specialties number one in the nation. 91����Ƶ Langone offers a comprehensive range of medical services with one high standard of care across seven inpatient locations, its Perlmutter Cancer Center, and more than 320 outpatient locations in the New York area and Florida. The system also includes two tuition-free medical schools, in Manhattan and on Long Island, and a vast research enterprise.

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