Microplastics

Microplastics: What They Are and How They Enter Food Sources

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, typically less than 5 millimeters in size, that result from the breakdown of larger plastic waste or are intentionally manufactured (e.g., microbeads in personal care products). They have become a growing environmental and health concern because they are pervasive in ecosystems and food chains.

How Microplastics Enter Food Sources

  1. Marine Contamination:
  • Plastics in oceans degrade into microplastics, which are ingested by marine life, including fish, shellfish, and plankton.
  • Humans and animals consuming seafood can inadvertently ingest microplastics.
  1. Agriculture:
  • Microplastics from sewage sludge and fertilizers contaminate soils.
  • Crops absorb microplastic particles through their roots or are exposed through irrigation and atmospheric deposition.
  1. Drinking Water:
  • Tap and bottled water can contain microplastics from industrial runoff, pipe degradation, or packaging.
  1. Airborne Microplastics:
  • Tiny plastic fibers are carried through the air and settle on open food, water, or other surfaces.

Effects on the Body

Microplastics can disrupt health through various mechanisms:

  • Physical Effects:
    • Accumulation in tissues can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular damage.
  • Chemical Leaching:
    • Plastics often contain harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and heavy metals that can leach into the body.
    • These chemicals disrupt endocrine function, affect fertility, and increase the risk of chronic diseases like cancer.
  • Bioaccumulation:
    • Persistent microplastics may accumulate in the gut, liver, and other tissues, leading to long-term health impacts.

Using Essential Oils to Break Down Plastics Safely

Essential Oils can be of benefit to the body if microplastics are present. It’s a good idea to periodically “detox” using essential oils in an attempt to reduce the effects and potentially reduce impact.

People are often nervous when they learn essential oils like lemon and other citrus oils can break down plastics (or styrofoam and other petroleum based material) becase they fear it will cause issues to tissue health.

Just the opposite is true.

Essential oils are natural substances that help bring the body into homeostasis (balance). When used properly even ingesting essential oils can be quite effective at this task without harming the issues of our bodies.

Essential oils, derived from plants, contain potent chemical compounds that can degrade plastics without harming human or animal tissues. Here’s how they work and why they are safe:

How Essential Oils Break Down Plastics

  1. Terpenes and Phenolic Compounds:
  • Compounds like limonene (from citrus oils) and eugenol (from clove oil) can dissolve and degrade plastic particles.
  • These compounds weaken the molecular structure of plastics, promoting natural breakdown.
  1. Non-Toxic Interaction:
  • Unlike harsh chemical solvents, essential oils target plastics without releasing additional toxins into the environment.
  • When used correctly, they do not harm living tissues.

Why Essential Oils Are Safe for Human and Animal Tissues

  • Selective Action:
    • Essential oils interact with synthetic polymers (plastics) but are metabolized differently in living organisms.
  • Natural Compatibility:
    • The body can process essential oil components safely because they are natural plant derivatives.
  • Tissue Support:
    • Essential oils like lavender, tea tree, and frankincense also provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, countering the stress caused by microplastic exposure.

Practical Applications

  • Cleaning Food or Surfaces:
    • Diluted citrus or clove essential oils can help remove microplastics from food surfaces and packaging.
  • Detox Support:
    • Essential oils like cilantro and grapefruit may assist the liver in processing toxins associated with microplastic exposure.

By integrating essential oils into detox protocols, microplastics can be addressed naturally, supporting long-term health for both humans and animals.

If you’d like more specific recommendations or protocols, I’d be happy to assist!

Join us in the essential oil category to learn more!