We don’t stop to think about the danger of consuming microplastic, yet each one of us buys food, water, or beverages that have been stored in microplastic containers every day.
Compounding this fact, we then store opened food and liquid in plastic storage containers.
Consuming microplastics can pose health risks to humans through various exposure routes, such as ingestion, inhalation, and dermal penetration. These tiny plastic particles have been found in human-derived biological samples, including excrement, biofluids, and tissues, raising concerns about their potential impact on human health.
Microplastics can absorb harmful environmental chemicals, leading to increased exposure to these toxins and potentially poisonous effects when consumed by humans.
While the exact health risks of microplastics are still not fully understood, studies suggest possible effects on inflammation, cellular survival, metabolism, immune diseases, hormone disorders, reproductive problems, and more.
It is crucial to continue research on microplastics to better understand the long-term dangers to human health of consuming them and to take measures to mitigate exposure to these pervasive pollutants.
What are the Sources of Microplastics in Food and Water
Sources of microplastics in food and water include various pathways:
- Seafood: Studies have quantified microplastic consumption from contaminated seafood, highlighting fish and shellfish as familiar sources.
- Processed Food: Ready-to-eat meals and processed foods may contain added microplastics during processing and packaging, contributing to human exposure.
- Water: Drinking water can be a significant source of microplastic exposure, with plastic bottles and caps used in bottled water being potential sources of microplastics in drinking water.
- Beverages: Microplastics have been found in various beverages and alcoholic drinks, indicating another route of exposure for humans.
- Food Processing: Food processing is identified as a likely source of microplastic contamination, with highly processed products containing more microplastics per gram than minimally processed ones.
These sources highlight the pervasive nature of microplastics in our food and water systems, emphasizing the need for further research and measures to reduce human exposure to these pollutants.
What are the Health Risks Associated with Consuming Microplastics
The health risks associated with consuming microplastics are not yet fully understood, and research is ongoing to determine their long-term effects on human health.
However, studies suggest that microplastics can adversely affect experimental models such as cells, organoids, and animals.
These effects include oxidative stress, DNA damage, organ dysfunction, metabolic disorders, immune responses, neurotoxicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity.
In humans microplastics have been found in human-derived biological samples, including excrement, biofluids, and tissues.
While the exact health risks are still being studied, microplastics have the potential to impact inflammation, cellular survival, metabolism, immune diseases, hormone disorders, reproductive problems, and more.
Microplastics can also carry other contaminants, such as plasticizers, metals, antibiotics, and microorganisms, potentially magnifying their toxicity.
Overall, while the full extent of the health risks associated with consuming microplastics is not yet known, evidence suggests that they could have adverse effects on human health.
To Avoid the Danger of Consuming Microplastics, you can Follow These Steps:
- Avoid microwaving food in plastic: Transfer food to a ceramic or glass container before heating.
- Drink filtered tap water: Use a filter to remove microplastics from your drinking water.
- Limit single-use plastics: Use reusable alternatives like cloth bags, stainless steel straws, and refillable water bottles.
- Choose natural fibres: Opt for clothing made from natural fibres like cotton, wool, and silk instead of synthetic materials.
- Use a microfiber filter or bag: Install a microfiber filter in your washing machine or use bag filters like the Guppy Friend to capture microfibers.
- Avoid microbeads: Check the ingredient lists of personal care products to ensure they do not contain microbeads.
- Eat responsibly sourced seafood: Choose sustainably sourced seafood that has been tested for contaminants, including microplastics.
- Filter your drinking water: Use a filter to remove microplastics from tap water.
- Participate in cleanup efforts: Join local beach or river cleanup events to help remove plastic waste from the environment.
Following these steps can reduce your exposure to microplastics in food and water.