It’s hard to avoid plastic. So many common objects that we use regularly have plastic, from toothbrushes and soap bottles to juice cartons and kids’ toys.
I sat down with Dr. Shirlee Tan, a toxicologist with Public Health, to chat about plastic and find out: Is it a concern for our health? And if so, how can we protect ourselves?
How does plastic impact our health?
The chemicals in plastic are linked to a wide range of harmful health impacts, from immune system and hormone issues to certain cancers. Children are particularly vulnerable to the toxic chemicals because their bodies are still developing.
When you think about how plastics impact health, it’s important to consider the full life cycle of the plastic, from when it is made using fossil fuels and other chemicals to when it is “thrown away.” Plastic production is very harmful to people’s health and the environment. And plastic never really disappears when it’s tossed in the garbage. It just breaks down into smaller pieces known as “microplastics.”
What are the main ways we’re exposed to plastic?
Chemicals added to plastic don’t stay there. They migrate out into food, air, water, and dust. We can come in contact with plastic through the air by breathing in pollution or dust, when we eat and drink, and by touching things. Plastic and its chemicals can get in food and drinks through packaging (like bottled water), food processing (like grinding cheese), and by entering food through environmental contamination (like if farming soil is contaminated).
How can we reduce our exposure to plastic and other harmful chemicals in food and food packaging?
- Use safer cookware and food containers. For cooking food, avoid non-stick surfaces. Instead, use glass, stainless steel, carbon steel, or cast-iron. For reheating food, try to avoid plastic and use glass instead. And don’t heat plastic wrap! For more information on food containers, see: Numbers on Plastic: What They Mean and If They’re Safe for Food.
- Avoid single use plastic food packaging. Reduce the plastic you buy that usually goes right into the garbage. Opt for reusable coffee cups, water bottles, and glass containers. Prioritize take-out food from places that offer compostable containers rather than plastic ones.
What about when we’re buying new things – what should we look for?
- Look for natural materials when possible for clothing, bedding, furnishings, and furniture. Most clothes today are made of synthetic fibers that are made of plastic. Try buying or thrifting natural clothing items instead (like wool, cotton, silk, and linen). For furniture, look or ask for products with a “flame retardant-free” label made with natural materials such as wool. Flame retardants are often added to furniture that has plastic because it’s very flammable. So, if a piece of furniture doesn’t have flame retardants, it’s less likely to have plastic. For furnishings and bedding, look for wool, linen organic cotton, and 100% natural latex over foam fillers.
- Avoid black plastic and resin codes #3, #6, and #7. You can find these resin codes on the bottom of products inside the arrows. If you’re trying to reduce your use of plastic, avoid these first because they are the most harmful to produce, contain toxic chemicals, and are difficult to recycle.
Are there things we can be doing at home on a regular basis to avoid plastic?
- Wash your hands and kids’ hands frequently with soap and water. This is most important around food.
- Limit the dust in your home by regularly damp dusting, mopping, and/or using a vacuum that has a HEPA filter.
- Be careful with laundry. Because clothes tend to be made with plastic, laundry is a big source of microplastics. Avoid washing things excessively, overloading your machine, using harsh chemicals, using hot water unnecessarily, and using high temperatures for your dryer if you don’t need to. And try to avoid breathing in (or wear a mask) when cleaning out the dryer’s lint filter.
This feels like a lot! What else is being done about plastic?
I understand that this can be overwhelming. But it’s important to remember this isn’t all on you. While there are small steps that individuals can take to make a difference, the true responsibility is on government agencies and companies to cut down on plastic use and production. There is some exciting action to change plastics laws happening across many states, including Washington, that can go a long way to protect people’s health and the environment from plastic.
Dr. Shirlee Tan is a Senior Toxicologist for Public Health. Dr. Tan also was Chair of the Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from March 2020 through February 2026. During this time, members of the committee summarized the science on how plastics-related chemicals harm children’s health and made recommendations on key strategies to protect children’s health from plastics to the head of the EPA.
Originally published March 19, 2026.