EP 71: PFAS and Microplastics: What They Are, Why They Matter, and Simple Ways to Reduce Exposure

Marie Grace Berg on March 11, 2026

“We don’t need to panic, but it does make good sense to reduce our exposure everywhere we can.“

— Dr. Daniel Kessler

Environmental health topics like PFAS and microplastics are appearing in the news more frequently. For many people, these terms can sound complicated or even alarming.

In this episode, Dr. Daniel Kessler, a board-certified family medicine physician trained at Mayo Clinic who also worked at the Centers for Disease Control’s National Center for Environmental Health, discusses these issues and explains them in clear, practical terms.

The goal of the conversation is not to create fear. Instead, the focus is on helping people understand what these environmental exposures are, why they matter, and what simple steps can help reduce exposure.

The discussion focuses on four environmental topics that people are hearing about more often:

PFAS
Microplastics
Mold
Heavy metals

The episode primarily explores PFAS and microplastics and provides practical guidance for people who want to better understand these environmental concerns.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS stands for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances. These are man-made chemicals that were designed to resist water, oil, and heat.

They have been used since the 1940s in many everyday products.

Because of their chemical structure, PFAS do not easily break down in the environment. For this reason, they are often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

Where PFAS Are Commonly Found

PFAS have historically been used in a wide range of products designed to resist water, stains, or heat.

Examples mentioned in the episode include:

Non-stick cookware
Stain-resistant fabrics
Water-resistant jackets
Fast food wrappers and takeout containers
Some cosmetics
Dental floss

Because these chemicals were widely used in manufacturing, they have become very common in the environment.

Why PFAS Are Called “Forever Chemicals”

PFAS earned the nickname “forever chemicals” because they do not easily break down in nature.

Once released into the environment, they can persist in:

Soil
Water
The human body

Studies have detected PFAS in the blood of the vast majority of Americans who have been tested.

However, the presence of PFAS in the body does not automatically mean someone will become ill. The key takeaway is that PFAS exposure is something worth understanding and paying attention to.

Health Concerns Researchers Are Studying

Scientists continue to study how PFAS may affect human health.

Research mentioned in the episode has examined potential associations with:

Cholesterol levels
Thyroid function
Immune response, especially in children
Certain cancers

The science around PFAS is still evolving, and researchers continue to learn more each year.

Government agencies are also taking action.

For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun setting guidelines related to PFAS levels in drinking water.

Practical Steps to Reduce PFAS Exposure

While PFAS are widespread, the episode emphasizes that there are practical steps individuals can take to reduce exposure.

1. Filter Your Drinking Water

One of the most important actions discussed is filtering drinking water.

Water filtration systems can help reduce PFAS exposure.

Filters mentioned in the episode include:

Reverse osmosis systems
Certain activated carbon filters

Consumers can look for filters that are NSF certified to reduce PFAS.

Even relatively simple solutions such as countertop or under-sink filters may make a meaningful difference.

2. Reduce Non-Stick and Stain-Resistant Products

Another approach is gradually reducing certain household products that may contain PFAS.

This does not require replacing everything immediately. Instead, changes can be made over time as products wear out.

Examples discussed include:

Replacing non-stick cookware
Choosing alternatives such as cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic
Looking for PFAS-free furniture or carpeting
Avoiding optional stain-resistant treatments

Small changes made over time can add up.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are another environmental topic that has received growing attention.

As the name suggests, microplastics are extremely small pieces of plastic, often less than five millimeters in size.

Some microplastic particles are so small that they are microscopic.

Where Microplastics Come From

Microplastics can originate from several sources.

Examples discussed in the episode include:

The breakdown of plastic bottles and bags
Synthetic clothing fibers that shed during washing
Car tires wearing down on roads
Plastic packaging materials

These tiny particles can eventually enter the environment.

As a result, microplastics have been detected in:

Water
Food
Air

Microplastics Detected in the Human Body

Research has also detected microplastics in the human body.

Examples mentioned in the discussion include:

Blood
Lung tissue
Placenta
Arteries

One study referenced in the episode reported microplastics found in the carotid arteries, which are the arteries located in the neck.

Researchers observed that these particles may contribute to inflammation within the arteries, which could potentially play a role in cardiovascular problems such as stroke or cardiovascular disease.

What Scientists Still Do Not Know

Despite growing attention to microplastics, research in this area is still developing.

Scientists know that microplastics can be present in the body, but the full health implications are still being studied.

Early research suggests potential concerns related to:

Inflammation
Cellular stress

However, researchers are continuing to study how these particles affect long-term health.

This process is a normal part of scientific progress.

Scientists observe, study, and adjust recommendations as more information becomes available.

Reducing Microplastic Exposure

Even though the research is still evolving, the episode emphasizes that reducing exposure where possible is a reasonable approach.

1. Rethink Plastic Use With Food and Drinks

One of the simplest changes involves how plastic is used around food.

Examples discussed include:

Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers
Avoid heating plastic wrap with food
Use glass containers for food storage
Use stainless steel or glass water bottles

Heat can cause plastics to break down and release particles into food.

Making these changes can help reduce daily microplastic intake.

2. Use Water Filters That Capture Microplastics

Water filtration may also help reduce microplastic exposure.

Examples mentioned include:

Reverse osmosis filters
Solid carbon block filters

These filtration systems may capture microplastic particles in addition to reducing PFAS exposure.

This means a single filtration system can address multiple environmental exposures.

Awareness Without Panic

A central theme of the episode is balance.

Environmental exposures exist in modern life, and many people encounter them daily.

However, the goal is not to panic.

Instead, the focus is on becoming informed and making reasonable changes that may reduce exposure over time.

Examples discussed throughout the conversation show that small steps can be practical and achievable.

Why Environmental Awareness Matters

Understanding environmental exposures can help people make more informed choices.

Even simple lifestyle adjustments may contribute to overall health.

These adjustments may include:

Filtering drinking water
Reducing certain plastic uses
Gradually replacing certain household products

The key message is empowerment through information.

Final Thoughts

PFAS and microplastics are environmental topics that are receiving increasing attention from scientists, public health organizations, and the media.

Although research continues to evolve, understanding these exposures and making simple adjustments can help individuals feel more informed about their environment.

Dr. Kessler’s perspective highlights a balanced approach:

Learn about these issues, avoid unnecessary fear, and focus on practical steps that can help reduce exposure.

👉 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/ehxaYte7lEo

Read Series 1/4 here: https://ameliaorganic.com/ep70-living-toxin-free-without-turning-your-life-upside-down/

🌿 Nassau Health Foods is your local organic and wellness partner.
Shop online anytime: https://ameliaorganic.com/
Or visit us at 833 T.J. Courson Rd., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Transcript Evidence
The article above is based exclusively on statements from the episode transcript, including:
– PFAS are man-made chemicals used since the 1940s designed to resist water, oil, and heat.
– PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment and the human body.
– PFAS are found in products such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, water-resistant jackets, food packaging, cosmetics, and dental floss.
– Studies have detected PFAS in the blood of the majority of Americans tested.
– Microplastics are small plastic particles that come from the breakdown of larger plastics, synthetic clothing fibers, car tires, and packaging materials.
– Research has detected microplastics in blood, lung tissue, placenta, and arteries.
– Reverse osmosis and certain carbon filters may help reduce PFAS and microplastics in drinking water.

EP 63: Toxin Burden and Your Health: Why What You’re Exposed to Matters More Than You Think – Series 1

Marie Grace Berg on January 14, 2026

“Oxidative stress is like rust inside the body.“

— Steve Adams

This episode of the Organic Lifestyle Podcast opens with a clear warning: some of what you’re about to hear may sound scary.

But the goal isn’t fear—it’s awareness.

Steve Adams, owner of Nassau Health Foods, shares why toxin burden has become a growing concern and why understanding it matters for long-term health, especially as we age. While he is not a physician, he emphasizes that everything discussed is research-based and shared so listeners can make more informed choices about their health.At its core, this conversation is about choice—and about recognizing that many of the things we’re exposed to every day can quietly add up inside the body over time.

What Is Toxin Burden?

Toxin burden refers to the accumulation of harmful substances in the body over time.

According to the transcript, these substances can come from multiple sources, including:

Microplastics
PFAS (often called “forever chemicals”)
Mold toxins
Heavy metals such as mercury

These toxins don’t simply pass through the body and disappear. Many are resistant to breakdown and can accumulate in tissues, organs, and systems over years or decades.

Steve explains that while there is debate in public discussions about how significant some of these exposures are, real-world testing inside a medical clinic shows that these substances are indeed being found in people’s bodies.

Microplastics: Small Particles, Big Questions

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can enter the body through everyday behaviors, such as:

Drinking from plastic containers
Eating food that has been heated in plastic

The transcript acknowledges that debate exists about the evidence base around microplastics. However, Steve shares that in a clinical setting, microplastics are being found in patients’ bodies—suggesting that exposure is real and widespread.

If these particles are showing up consistently in medical testing, it raises a reasonable concern: they’re coming from somewhere, and many people may already be carrying them without knowing it.

PFAS: The Problem With “Forever Chemicals”

One of the most detailed sections of the episode focuses on PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

These chemicals are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because:

They are extremely resistant to breaking down
They persist in the environment
They accumulate in living organisms over time

According to the transcript, PFAS have been used since the 1940s and are found in many everyday products, including:

Non-stick cookware
Food packaging
Stain-resistant carpets and clothing
Firefighting foams
Industrial applications such as aerospace and electronics

Because these chemicals repel water, oil, grease, and stains, they became widely used—but their durability is also what makes them problematic.

Steve explains that PFAS can accumulate in soil, water, animals, and humans, and they are increasingly a subject of concern in medical research.

Mold Toxins and Heavy Metals

Beyond plastics and PFAS, the transcript also highlights two additional sources of toxin burden:

Mold Toxins

Mold exposure can contribute to overall toxin load in the body, particularly when exposure is chronic or unresolved.

Heavy Metals

Metals such as mercury are also being found in patients through medical testing. These metals are linked, according to the transcript, to increased risks related to cancer and metabolic disease.

How Toxins Affect the Body

The episode explains several mechanisms through which toxin burden can negatively impact health.

1. Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is described as “rust inside the body.”
It damages cells and tissues and reduces the body’s ability to repair itself over time.

2. Chronic Inflammation

Persistent inflammation is identified as a core contributor to many diseases. Toxins can trigger and sustain this inflammatory response, creating an internal environment that increases disease risk.

3. DNA Damage and Cancer Risk

Toxins can cause DNA damage, leading to mutations and genomic instability. This process may initiate carcinogenesis, where normal cells begin to grow uncontrollably.

Some chemicals also act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormonal balance and potentially promoting cancers such as breast and prostate cancer.

Toxins and Metabolic Disease

The transcript draws a clear connection between toxin exposure and metabolic dysfunction.

Insulin Resistance

Exposure to certain toxins can impair insulin signaling, leading to insulin resistance. This condition is described as a precursor to:

Type 2 diabetes
Metabolic syndrome

Altered Lipid Metabolism

Toxins can disrupt lipid metabolism, leading to abnormal lipid levels (dyslipidemia), which increases the risk of:

Cardiovascular disease
Fatty liver disease

Weight Gain and Obesity

Toxin burden may also contribute to weight gain by altering:

Hormonal regulation of appetite
Fat storage
Metabolic function

Obesity itself is identified as a significant risk factor for diabetes, cancer, and blood pressure issues.

Nutrient Absorption and the Gut

Another important point from the transcript is how toxins can impact the gut.

High toxin burden can:

Disrupt the gut microbiome
Affect the digestive tract
Impair nutrient absorption

Steve shares a personal example of discovering a vitamin C deficiency—despite living in the United States—highlighting how toxin-related gut dysfunction can contribute to nutrient deficiencies.

Health Span vs. Life Span: Why This Matters as You Age

The episode shifts toward a broader perspective on aging and quality of life.

According to the transcript:

The average life expectancy in the U.S. is 77 years
The average health span is 66 years
This leaves roughly 11 years spent managing chronic disease

Steve poses a direct question: do you want to spend those years limited by conditions like cancer, diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease?

Especially in a place like Amelia Island—known for its beauty, community, and active lifestyle—the goal is not just to live longer, but to stay healthy longer.

Why Detoxing Requires Medical Guidance

One of the most important cautions in the episode is about detoxing.

Steve explains that removing toxins from the body is not something to do casually. Without proper binding, releasing toxins can make people very sick. This is why he emphasizes detox protocols should be done under the care of a physician.

He shares that he has personally gone through this process under medical supervision and describes it as transformative—but reiterates that it must be done safely.

Lifestyle Choices That Support Long-Term Health

The episode outlines several habits that are positioned as critical for aging well:

Reorganizing your relationship with stress, including diaphragm breathing
Prioritizing sleep, especially deep and REM sleep
Eating less and fasting more, including a 13-hour daily fast
Moving your body every day, such as walking for 25 minutes
Eating clean food

Steve emphasizes that food can either be medicine or poison—and frames clean food as an investment in long-term health, even if it costs more upfront.

Stopping the Addition of New Toxins

One of the strongest takeaways from the transcript is this idea:

Detoxing isn’t just about removing toxins—it’s also about stopping new ones from coming in.

This includes:

Products you put on your skin
Products you put in your mouth

Steve shares his personal commitment to eliminating products that weren’t toxin-free and explains that Nassau Health Foods exists to help people make those choices more easily.

A Community-Focused Message

The episode closes with a reminder that this conversation isn’t just about promoting a store—it’s about community health.

The tools exist. The support exists. Whether through Nassau Health Foods, local staff, or medical professionals, help is available.

The message is simple: do something.

Read Series 2, Part 1 here: https://ameliaorganic.com/ep64-how-toxins-quietly-shorten-your-health-span/

Read Series 2, Part 2 here: https://ameliaorganic.com/ep65-reduce-toxic-exposure-what-water-skin-and-everyday-products-are-doing-to-your-body-series2-part2/

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/aSIYi-GrUeU

Shop online anytime at:
👉 https://ameliaorganic.com/
Or visit us at:
📍 833 T.J. Courson Rd.
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Transcript Evidence

_{All claims, explanations, examples, and language in this blog post are derived directly from the EP 63 podcast transcript provided by the user. No external sources, studies, statistics, or interpretations were added.}