Microplastics: The Health Effects & Risk. Get Rid of These Common Household Products Now!
Feb 7, 2025
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Dr. Roger Seheult, a quadruple board-certified physician and co-founder of MedCram, dives into the alarming prevalence of microplastics and their health implications. He explains how harmful chemicals leach from everyday products, debunking the myth that 'BPA-Free' guarantees safety. The discussion highlights the risks of these pollutants in our food and environment, with insights on their impact on heart health and endocrine disruption. Roger also emphasizes actionable steps to reduce exposure, promoting mindful consumption for a healthier life.
Microplastics and harmful chemicals infiltrate our daily lives through common products, posing significant health risks like heart disease and cancer.
The term 'BPA-Free' can be misleading, as alternative substances often carry similar risks, indicating the need for better regulation and transparency.
Making conscious choices, such as using glass containers instead of plastic, can effectively reduce exposure to microplastics and enhance personal health.
Deep dives
The Pervasiveness of Microplastics
Microplastics and chemicals like BPAs and PFAs pose a significant health risk, permeating various aspects of daily life. These substances can be found in common items such as cleaning products, carpeting, and even paint, contributing to their widespread presence. Studies indicate that microplastics are present in our rainwater, meaning they ultimately infiltrate our food and water supplies. With the ability to disrupt human health through increasing the risk of coronary diseases and certain cancers, awareness of their prevalence is critical.
Understanding the Sources of Microplastics
Microplastics primarily originate from the breakdown of larger plastic products and are present in various everyday materials. Notable sources include plastic water bottles and food containers, with potential leaching of toxic compounds upon heating, such as in microwaving food. Research shows significant increases in microplastic exposure among those consuming bottled water compared to tap water, emphasizing the need to rethink our choices regarding packaging. The integration of these substances into food and beverages highlights the importance of scrutinizing what we consume.
The Health Risks Associated with Microplastics
Emerging studies suggest a correlation between microplastics and detrimental health outcomes, including endocrine disruption and cardiovascular issues. Research published in reputable journals indicates that microplastics found in human coronary arteries are linked to an increased risk of heart events, providing a clearer understanding of the potential health implications. The complexity of the human immune response to these foreign particles raises questions about chronic exposure effects. Although the body has mechanisms to filter out certain chemicals, continuous exposure may overwhelm these processes.
The Challenge of Toxic Substitutions
Products touted as 'BPA-free' often contain alternative substances that may be equally harmful, leading to a phenomenon known as regrettable substitution. As manufacturers respond to consumer concerns over BPA, they frequently replace it without ensuring the safety of the new chemicals, raising questions about their effectiveness and safety. This ongoing battle for consumer safety highlights the need for transparency in chemical use across industries to ensure that substitutes do not introduce new health risks. Advocating for responsible manufacturing can facilitate the creation of safer products without overlooking potential health consequences.
Empowerment Through Awareness and Change
Recognizing the extent of microplastic pollution empowers individuals to make informed choices about their consumption and health. Simple adjustments, such as using glass or stainless steel instead of plastic containers, can significantly reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. Additionally, promoting environmentally friendly practices and advocating for regulatory changes can help address the pervasive issue of microplastics in the environment. Collective awareness and action can lead to healthier lifestyles and a greater push for safer consumer products.
Dr. Roger Seheult is quadruple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases, Critical Care Medicine, and Sleep Medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Seheult joins our MBB Report to break down the prevalence of microplastics and nanoplastics in our oceans, our drinking water, our clothes, our make up and our food, and help you understand what that means for your health. He shares the science behind leaching, when the forever chemicals in plastics seep into your food and your body. Dr. Seheult explains that the misleading term "BPA-Free" does NOT mean something is free of harmful chemicals, and how loopholes in regulations mean BPA-like chemicals are still in most common household products. Mayim and Jonathan tackle the different ways YOU can take actionable steps to decrease the amount of microplastics in your home and in your body. WATCH NOW to uncover the horrifying reality of microplastics and nanoplastics and how you can better protect yourself against them!
Roger Seheult, MD is the Co-Founder & an Instructor for MedCram, a medical education website where not only professionals go to learn and get accreditation but also patients and lay people go to learn about medical conditions and tests that interest them. Check out their YouTube channel for evidence-based, up-to-date medical education on contemporary topics: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG-iSMVtWbbwDDXgXXypARQ
