Recent studies have found that a common item in your dishwasher can be linked to health problems.
There is a link between microplastics from plastic containers that you can put in your dishwasher and pollution, according to a study from The University of Queensland.
Another study from the New England Journal of Medicine says this can cause health risks.
Here’s what you need to know about the study and how microplastics in your dishwasher can put your health at risk.
What were the details of the study?
The study found that a full dishwasher load with plastic containers and utensils released “about 920,000 micro and nano particles into wastewater,” according to ACS ES&T Water.
This release equates to 33 million particles per household each year worldwide.
Much of the microplastics are released through the high temperatures and the abrasive and cleaning in the dishwasher.
Why are microplastics bad for you?
While microplastic particles are very tiny, they can’t break down into smaller pieces.
They can spread into the soil, water, animals and even humans.
Animals and humans can consume and inhale microplastics, causing a host of health problems.
The New England Journal of Medicine found that microplastic pollution is linked to heart attacks and strokes.
The amount of microplastics released in dishwashers is low compared to other forms of plastic pollution, according to Dr. Elvis Okoffo from the University of Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences. However, their accumulation can contribute to overall environmental pollution.
How can you combat microplastic pollution?
There are a few solutions in place to combat this problem of microplastic pollution in dishwashers, according to The Cool Down.
These include placing a filter within the dishwasher or handwashing plastic materials at a lower temperature as an alternative to dishwashing.
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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.