Single-use plastic elimination is a step towards environmental health in Alaska

Microplastics are super small pieces of plastics that come from the breakdown of all kinds of larger plastic products. In 2025 Alaska Research Survey and AK Community Action on Toxics did a survey that showed that 75% of respondents see microplastics as a major or moderate threat to contaminating our drinking water and food, including fish and wildlife.

It also showed that 68.7% of Alaskans say state legislation should be among the actions to prevent further health harms from microplastics and chemical exposure in Alaska. Recently proposed legislation would begin to address the microplastics issue in our state.

Microplastics expose consumers to additives and chemicals used to provide desired color, appearance, density and flexibility to products depending on their use. Some examples are single-use water bottles, cosmetics or Styrofoam products. For example, Styrofoam breaks down easily into microplastics and it is the least recyclable of single use plastics.

The chemical industry and plastic producers disregard their safety for human health. Science shows that microplastics have been found in human placentas, and that there is evidence of microplastics in our brains and reproductive tissues. Also, several studies have found microplastics in the blood, lungs and other internal organs. There is strong evidence that microplastics and their additives are linked to many of the major chronic diseases that we see in the U.S. and many other parts of the world, like cancer, heart disease, diabetes and chronic inflammation.

State legislatures like those in Maine, Minnesota, Washington, New York and New Jersey are leading the way by enacting protective policies on chemicals and plastics because people are deeply concerned about the health of their families and communities. More than 366 policies have been adopted in 40 states to protect people.

Alaskans are more concerned about microplastics than other well-known hazards like asbestos, lead, and second-hand smoke, according to our survey. Alaska can be part of the legislative movement that is leading the way to a safer environment and better health protection from harmful chemical exposures. This will have a significant positive impact on the health of Alaskans, especially children and the most vulnerable.

As a public health professional, environmental scientist, mother and grandmother, I strongly support House Bill 25, which aims to phase out polystyrene food packaging, also known as Styrofoam, and House Bill 332, which calls to establish a statewide strategy to address the huge microplastics issue. Prevention is the smartest way. Alaskans deserve a healthy and clean environment. We owe it to our children and future generations.

Samarys, also known as Sama or by her given Siberian Yupik name, Umyuugalek, is a Boricua from the Archipelago of Borikén (Puerto Rico). Samarys has more than 20 years of extensive experience in environmental justice advocacy, public health, environmental education, climate justice and leading community-based participatory research projects and environmental health research in partnership with Alaska Native communities in remote and throughout Alaska.