Plastics are a miracle in many ways, but we are finding there is a dark side. Plastic particles are found in the food we eat, water we drink and the air we breathe. Tiny particles called micro-plastics and smaller ones called nano-plastics, are shed from plastic products as they are used, worn, heated or simply deteriorate. These particles are a concern to us because they being found in our bodies during blood tests and in autopsies. Nano-plastics are of particular concern because they can pass through the placental and blood–brain barriers, meaning they can reach fetuses and accumulate in our brains.
Two resident clubs at Greenspring Village, Nurses Forever and Earth Keepers have been collecting information on plastic and the chemicals that they contain. The two groups teamed up and produced a Guide titled, “Protecting Our Health by Reducing Our Exposure to Microplastics and Chemicals.” It is NOT a peer-reviewed scientific or medical paper, but it defines the problem and includes dozens of tips for safer use of plastic products. The 8-page Guide is available here as an attachment to this message.