From Microplastics to air pollutions—environmental risks can affect your health

In the 1930s, a major chemical company launched an advertising slogan that’s been paraphrased over the years as, “Better living through chemistry.” Those chemicals are now in items we use every day and even in places you might not realize, like grease-proof coating on fast food packaging and stain resistant upholstery. Other environmental factors can also impact health, from air pollution and wildfire smoke to water contamination and microplastics. Over time, exposure to these substances can have an effect on your health.

How environmental factors impact health

What the impacts of environmental health risk factors are depends on the source of the exposure.

• Per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances: Also known as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” this class includes approximately 15,000 widely used chemicals that make the materials treated with them stain-resistant, stick-resistant, and water-resistant. PFAS have been in use in the U.S. since the 1940s, but in recent years researchers discovered that these chemicals also enter the human body through both direct contact and via PFAS that are leached into water, air, and food. Although research is ongoing and not all chemicals in the class cause the same health effects, researchers have found associations between PFAS and a range of health issues including heart disease, liver damage, kidney disease, pre-eclampsia, neurotoxicity (impacts on the structure and/or function of the brain and nerves), some types of cancer, and thyroid disease.
• Air pollution and wildfire smoke: Air pollution occurs when the atmosphere contains some type of contaminant, for example smoke, fumes, dust, vapors, and gases. These contaminants can enter the human body through the respiratory tract, but once in the body they have the ability to affect not only the lungs, but also the heart, brain, and other organs, causing inflammation, oxidative stress (an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants), suppression of the immune system, and cell mutations. Researchers have found associations between air pollution and stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung and other cancers, emphysema, pneumonia, low birth weight, and diabetes. Air pollution can also occur indoors, caused by smoking or vaping, radon, and mold.
• Water pollution and contamination: Agricultural runoff, plastics and garbage that enter seas and rivers, oil and chemical spills, radioactive waste, and fluid used for fracking can all cause the pollution and contamination of the water we use to drink, bathe, wash dishes and clothes, or swim in. Like other sources of pollution, contaminated water can cause a range of health problems, from bacterial and viral diseases and respiratory diseases to immune system damage, an increased risk of heart and kidney disease, some cancers, and neurological problems.
• Microplastics: Research into the health effects of microplastics is in its early stages, but these plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters that slough off as plastic degrades have been found in human saliva, placentas, blood, livers, kidneys, and brains in increasing concentrations. To date, some research has discovered an association between microplastics and inflammation, cell death, changes in the gut microbiome, and changes in lipid and hormone

How to lower your risk

Reducing your exposure to environmental health risks can lower your risk of developing the range of health problems that have been associated with chemicals, pollution, and plastics. These proactive strategies are a good place to start.

• Filter your water. Using a high-quality water filter to filter the water you drink and cook with can help reduce your exposure to PFAS, microplastics, and other contaminants. Reverse osmosis and granular activated carbon filters can remove PFAS and other contaminants from drinking water. In addition to under-sink, in-refrigerator, and pitcher filters, there are even systems that can filter the water throughout your home. Look for the NSF/American National Standards Institute certification on the system you choose and check what contaminants it has been shown to remove from your water.
• Avoid bottled water when possible. Some research has found that bottled water contains more microplastics than tap water. Choose filtered tap water when possible and if you’re taking it with you, don’t put it in a plastic bottle.
• Check your cookware. Consider replacing older non-stick cookware, which can contain PFAS, with ceramic, cast iron, glass, or stainless-steel pots, pans, cutting boards, and utensils. Some companies also make PFAS-free non-stick cookware. Whenever possible, avoid storing food and liquids in plastic containers and use glass containers instead. Don’t heat food or drinks in plastic containers.
• Read the labels on personal care products, clothing, and furniture. Some shampoos, body washes, makeup, and even dental flosses contain PFAS. Water-resistant and stain-resistant clothes and furniture and other upholstered products like car seats may also be sources of PFAS. You can research products on some websites that list PFAS-free
• Check PFAS exposure through food. The grease- and water-resistant packaging that fast and fast casual food comes in can contain PFAS, so eating less of these foods can reduce your exposure. Another potential source of PFAS is seafood, with some studies finding high concentrations in clams, oysters, and mussels, as well as freshwater fish caught in areas where there are high concentrations of PFAS in the water. In the grocery store, choosing produce that’s not packaged with plastic and bulk foods that you do not store in plastic can reduce your risk of being exposed to PFAS.
• Reduce your exposure to air pollution and wildfire smoke. If you live or are traveling in an area where there are high levels of air pollution or smoke, wear an N95 or KN95 mask when you’re outdoors. You can keep indoor air cleaner by using an air cleaner with a HEPA filter. Look for a clean air delivery rate, or CADR, of 300 for a 500-square-footed room. When there’s an active fire nearby, limit the amount of outdoor air that gets into your home by keeping doors and windows closed with cracks sealed and not using air conditioners or fans that draw in outside air. You can also reduce your exposure to contaminated air by not allowing people to smoke or vape indoors and getting your home checked for radon and mold.

PinnacleCare can help you navigate

Topics on health and wellness can be confusing. It is easy to be flooded with information and quickly get overwhelmed, not knowing what is applicable to your health situation. This topic is no exception. With the support of PinnacleCare you get information from trusted advisors and experts in healthcare to help you better understand how you can live a healthier life and get the right care at the right time, if needed.

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