KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – When her son Orion was a baby, Lauren Quinn started making small changes in her home to reduce her family’s exposure to microplastics, like replacing plastic baby bottles with glass ones, switching to glass cutting boards and stainless steel cups.
Orion is currently 4 years old. Quinn said the online community guided her through the process.
“Just change his eating silverware and other items from plastic to stainless steel, and his drinking cups to durable glass, stainless steel or ceramic cups,” Quinn said.
What is microplastic?
Microplastics are tiny particles that are found in almost everything people use, eat and drink. Researchers are currently investigating a possible link between microplastics and cancer.
“Sometimes you get sick later in life, or you get an unfortunate diagnosis, but could that have been the cause? Could it have had an impact? We don’t know,” Quinn says.
what the doctor says
Dr. Susan Newman, director of medical oncology at Covenant Health Group, said there is active research into the relationship between microplastics and cancer, particularly those caused by hormones.
“Microplastics produce chemicals that can be toxic to our systems, especially those associated with hormonal cancers such as breast and prostate cancer,” Newman said. “Microplastics have hormones that are affected by certain chemicals, which may promote the development of certain types of hormone-related breast and prostate cancers.”
Steps to reduce exposure
Colon cancer is also a concern, Newman said, noting that ingested microplastics can accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation and deteriorating the intestinal lining.
She said there are steps people can take right now to reduce exposure.
- drink filtered water
- Do not heat food in plastic containers or put plastic in the microwave.
- Eat plenty of dietary fiber
- take probiotics
- Incorporate seeds such as chia seeds and flaxseeds into your diet
- exercise regularly
Quinn said her approach boils down to one idea: “Just do what you think is right for your family.”
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