Plastic is everywhere. It’s in the air, our clothing, our home and even our food packaging. Disturbing new research found that even some commercial tea bags can release anywhere from 8 million to 1.2 billion small plastic particles, called nanoplastics or microplastics, into a single cup of tea. Nanoplastics are so small that they can travel through tissues of the digestive tract or lungs or into the bloodstream, potentially disrupting bodily functions.

 The researchers found that polypropylene tea bags were the worst culprits and suggested different kinds of tea bags or loose tea as alternatives. Look for brands that say their tea bags are 100% plastic free. More safe tea suggestions can be found in this article.

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According to Study Finds, chemical contamination from plastics can cause major disruption to our endocrine system, which controls our metabolism and reproduction. Experts especially worry about phthalates, an ingredient found in personal care items and food packaging, bisphenols that line aluminum cans and thermal paper receipts, and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – called “forever chemicals” because they last for centuries in the environment.

Here are ways to reduce your exposure to troublesome microplastics:

• Stay away from canned foods. While most of today’s canned foods no longer use bisphenol A (BPA) in the lining of metal food and drink cans, lids and caps, research shows that it’s still present at least 5% of the time.

• Don’t expose plastic containers to heat and harsh chemicals. While most people have switched to glass containers to store and reheat foods, people who use a microwave to cook foods in plastic containers should avoid this practice. Bits of chemicals and plastic can be leeched into the food. Rebecca Kastin, a nutritional wellness coach and instructor at Florida Atlantic University’s Marcus Institute for Integrative Health, advises buying food items like olive oil in glass containers. “You don’t know how hot the truck that transported the olive oil could be, and that could cause plastic chemicals to infiltrate the oil,” she explains.

• Watch for plastics stamped with 3,6, and 7. These recycling numbers identify the plastic they contain. Number three plastics contain polyvinyl chloride that typically has phthalate added to it. Phthalates have been linked to a host of health problems, including preterm birth, early death, cancer, cardiovascular disease, asthma, reproductive problems, and childhood obesity. Number six refers to polystyrene. Styrene, a known carcinogen, can break off from polystyrene. Number seven is a complex group and includes a wide range of plastics with many different characteristics. Some examples are polycarbonates, polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylic, melamine, and nylon, according to Everyday Recycler.

• Don’t reuse single-use bottles. Bottles intended for single use should be recycled to prevent the risk of chemical contamination. If you intend to reuse single-use bottles, wash them thoroughly with soap and water, says Study Finds

• Avoid nonstick cookware. The coating is likely to contain PFAS components, says  Consumer Reports (CR), which are clearly linked to health risks in humans, especially pans coated with Teflon. If you’ve decided to swear off coated nonstick cookware, there are some good alternatives, including a number of ceramic, cast-iron, carbon steel, and stainless steel pans that performed well in CR tests. Avoid using black plastic kitchen utensils as these contain endocrine-disrupting toxins.

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• Remove dust regularly. Use a HEPA filter on your vacuum and in your air filter to cut down on dust. A wet mop can also help remove dust, which can carry toxic chemicals as well as a host of bacteria and viruses that could promote illness.