The Things You Use Every Day Could Be Aging You Faster Than You Think

Most of us think about longevity in terms of what we’re adding to our routines. More protein, more supplements, more steps, more sleep tracking—more, more, more. But according to longevity researcher and entrepreneur Josephine Musco, the bigger question might be what we’re exposing ourselves to every single day without realizing it.

On The Art of Being Well, Musco argues that some of the products we’ve come to see as harmless conveniences—from tea bags to workout clothes—may be quietly contributing to the health issues many people are trying to avoid. “They are the silent killer of humans,” she says of microplastics, calling them “one of the most underlooked toxin[s] that is infiltrating our daily life.”

Before you panic and start throwing out everything in your house, just reassess. After all, most of us can’t eliminate every environmental toxin, but we can make smarter choices once we know where they’re hiding.

These are Musco’s everyday items she thinks deserve a closer look.

Your tea habit might be coming with an unwanted side of plastic

If you’re the type who starts every morning by steeping a tea bag, this might sting a little. Musco points to research showing that many tea bags release microplastics when exposed to boiling water. In fact, she says, “every time you sip one teabag in one cup of boiling water, it’s releasing up to 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.4 billion nanoplastics.”

The concern isn’t just the plastic itself. Nanoplastics are small enough to travel throughout the body, and researchers are still working to understand the long-term health implications. 

The fix: Opt for loose-leaf tea or plastic-free alternatives whenever possible.

Your favorite workout set isn’t necessarily doing you any favors

Athleisure has become everyday wear for most people, but Musco says many synthetic fabrics deserve more scrutiny. Polyester is in everything, especially workout clothing, yoga mats, bedding, and other household materials, which can all contribute to microplastic exposure.

Her concern grows when heat enters the equation. Sweating through a workout in tight synthetic clothing may increase contact between those materials and your skin. While the science around long-term exposure continues to evolve, Musco believes it’s a conversation more people should be paying attention to—especially as fertility and hormonal health concerns continue to rise.

The fix: Choose natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, hemp, or merino wool when you’re replacing items. 

The ‘paper’ products aren’t always what they seem

Paper cups and paper plates often get a wellness halo simply because they aren’t plastic. But according to Musco, that’s not the full story. “Everything that’s been used for food and beverage, that’s paper, has to be coated with some layers of plastic to make it [hold up],” she explains. 

Many disposable products rely on plastic linings to prevent leaks, particularly when they’re holding hot food or drinks. That includes coffee cups, takeout containers, soup cups, and even some paper plates. And again, once you add heat into the mix, those materials can begin breaking down in ways most people never think about while sipping their morning latte.

Musco also points out that many paper products go through heavy processing before they ever reach consumers. “Paper is from trees, and originally it’s sand in color,” she says. To achieve that bright white appearance, manufacturers often use bleaching processes and additional coatings that can migrate into food and beverages over time.

The fix: Reach for ceramic mugs, glass containers, and reusable dishes whenever possible. When you’re grabbing coffee on the go, bring your own tumbler.

Longevity starts with what you can control

Musco is careful to acknowledge that avoiding every environmental toxin is impossible. The point isn’t to create another source of wellness anxiety, but to focus on the small swaps that add up over time. “Let’s control what we can control,” she says.

That mindset may be the most useful longevity advice of all. Because while nobody can eliminate every exposure, paying attention to the things you use every day is a lot easier than trying to biohack your way out of them later.

To hear the full conversation, listen to The Art of Being Well wherever you get your podcasts.

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