Maya Ellison
Plastic pollution is a defining legacy of modern life, and it is now so widespread that it is even finding its way into our food. Microplastics are present in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Research suggests that the average person consumes a significant amount of microplastics annually, with food and drink packaged in plastic being a major source of ingestion. While the health implications of consuming microplastics are still being studied, experts recommend reducing exposure by limiting the use of single-use plastics and opting for natural materials for food storage and clothing.
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What You'll Learn
Plastic in seafood
Microplastics are very small pieces of plastic that pollute the planet, including the sea, where they are eaten by marine creatures. This means that when humans consume seafood, they are also consuming microplastics.
A study by the University of Exeter and the University of Queensland found plastic in every sample of seafood they tested. The samples included oysters, prawns, squid, crabs and sardines. The study found plastic levels of 0.04 milligrams (mg) per gram of tissue in squid, 0.07mg in prawns, 0.1mg in oysters, 0.3mg in crabs and 2.9mg in sardines. The lead author, Francisca Ribeiro, stated that "an average serving of oysters or squid may expose a person to approximately 0.7mg of plastic, and up to 30mg of plastic when eating sardines".
Another study found that molluscs, such as mussels, oysters and scallops, collected off the coasts of Asia contained the highest levels of microplastics among seafood. Mussels, oysters and other filter-feeding animals may be more likely to carry microplastics because they are often consumed whole, including the stomach, which is where microplastics usually accumulate in marine life.
The effect of ingested microplastics on human health is not yet fully understood. However, microplastics have been detected in human lung tissue, gastrointestinal tracts and stools. There is also evidence that toxic chemicals carried by plastics, such as flame retardants and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), can end up in fish meat. Researchers estimate that an average person consumes about 53,864 particles of microplastics annually from seafood, which is equivalent to 17 credit cards.
To reduce exposure to microplastics, it is recommended to limit the use of single-use plastics, avoid plastic cutting boards, and switch from bottled water to tap water.
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Plastic in tea
The presence of microplastics in tea is concerning due to the potential health risks associated with consuming these particles. While the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that there is no evidence of a health risk from consuming microplastics, other studies have shown behavioural and developmental abnormalities in water fleas exposed to contaminated water. Researchers at McGill University also found that temperatures above 40°C can degrade plastics, including food-grade plastics, which raises concerns about the potential toxicity of tea brewed in plastic tea bags.
To address this issue, consumers are advised to avoid plastic tea bags and opt for paper tea bags or loose-leaf tea instead. Some tea brands, such as Bromley and Lyon's, offer tea bags made from wood pulp or natural fibres like abaca and cellulose, without any plastic content. However, it is important to note that even paper tea bags may be reinforced with plastic, so consumers should carefully research the brands they purchase.
The shift towards plastic tea bags by some manufacturers is concerning, especially considering the potential environmental and health impacts. Plastic tea bags cannot completely decompose, making them unsuitable for composting and contributing to environmental pollution. With millions of cups of tea consumed daily, the cumulative impact of plastic tea bags on the environment is significant.
While more research is needed to fully understand the health effects of consuming microplastics in tea, it is advisable for consumers to be cautious and make informed choices. Opting for tea brands that do not use plastic in their tea bags can help reduce the potential risks associated with plastic consumption and minimise the environmental impact of tea packaging.
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Plastic in vegetables
Plastic pollution is an increasingly concerning issue, with plastic finding its way into our food and, subsequently, our bodies. Microplastics are present in the air we breathe and the water we drink, and they can also be absorbed through our skin.
Microplastics have been found in fruit and vegetables, with a 2020 study detecting their presence in produce sold by supermarkets and local sellers in Sicily, Italy. Root vegetables, such as carrots, radishes, and turnips, are at a higher risk of microplastic contamination compared to leafy vegetables like lettuce and cabbage. This is because the soil surrounding root vegetables often contains higher concentrations of microplastics, and only the smallest particles are taken up by plants. Apples were the most contaminated fruit, while carrots had the highest levels of microplastics among the sampled vegetables.
The health implications of consuming microplastics are not yet fully understood, but their presence in our food and bodies is a cause for concern. Some studies suggest that microplastics may contribute to heart disease and lung disorders. The accumulation of microplastics in the human body and their potential to cross the cell barrier are areas of ongoing research.
To reduce exposure to microplastics, individuals can switch from bottled water to tap water, use loose-leaf tea instead of tea bags, and opt for non-plastic alternatives for food storage.
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Plastic in bottled water
Plastic is found in almost everything we eat. Microplastics are in the air we breathe, meaning we breathe in plastic and additives every time we take a breath. Research has confirmed that micro- and nanoplastics can be absorbed into the human body through the skin barrier, with 60% of all materials made into clothing being plastic.
Microplastics are also in our food. Industrial discharge of poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into waters contaminates the sludge used to fertilize crops. Microplastics also enter our bodies through the plastic packaging found on almost everything in the grocery store. Almost everything we eat or drink will contain microplastics, but some foods are more contaminated than others.
Bottled water is one of the thousands of food and beverage products packaged in plastic. A typical one-liter bottle of water contains about 240,000 plastic fragments on average, according to a study. The plastic bottle industry is booming, and this is a huge problem. Nanoplastics are so tiny that they can migrate through the tissues of the digestive tract or lungs into the bloodstream, distributing potentially harmful synthetic chemicals throughout the body and into cells.
The study found that 90% of the plastic fragments in bottled water were nanoplastics, and the rest were microplastics. The most common type of plastic found in bottled water is polyamide, a type of nylon often used to help filter and purify water. An abundance of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was also detected, which is expected since PET is used to make bottles for water, soda, and many other drinks and foods. Other identified plastics included polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, and polystyrene, which is also used in water purification.
To avoid consuming microplastics in bottled water, it is recommended to switch to tap water and use a reusable steel or glass bottle when out and about.
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Plastic in food packaging
Plastic food packaging is a common feature of modern life. Plastics are used to package and store food to ensure it stays fresh and well-preserved, and to protect it from contamination. However, the use of plastic in food packaging also has negative consequences, as plastic particles can contaminate food and be ingested by consumers.
There are several types of plastic commonly used in food packaging. These include:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): This plastic is known for its strength, lightweight build, and crystal-clear colouring. It is often used for soft drinks, sports drinks, and salad dressings.
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE): A hard, opaque plastic that is lightweight and strong, with a high melting point. It is commonly used for juice and milk jugs, butter containers, and grocery bags.
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): A thermoplastic made from ethylene monomer, LDPE is durable and used for a wide range of applications, including food packaging for bread and frozen foods.
- Polypropylene (PP): A thermoplastic that is durable, shiny, and heat-resistant, PP is commonly used for sour cream and cream cheese tubs, yoghurt packets, and chip bags.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): PVC is biologically and chemically resistant, making it ideal for food packaging that needs to maintain the integrity of the product, such as tubing for beverage systems and blister packaging for gum.
While plastic packaging helps protect food, it can also be a source of microplastic contamination. Microplastics can be released from plastic packaging into food and drinks, and these particles can then be ingested by consumers. This can occur through direct contact with plastic containers, but also through indirect means such as bottled water, where studies have found high concentrations of microplastics. Tea bags made of plastic can also release microplastics into hot drinks.
The consumption of microplastics can have negative health effects, as these particles can accumulate in the human body and potentially impact normal metabolic processes and contribute to heart disease and lung disorders. To reduce exposure to microplastics, some experts recommend limiting the use of single-use plastics and avoiding reusing plastic containers for food storage or reheating.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, we do. Microplastics are found in almost everything we eat.
Microplastics can enter our food through the soil in which it is grown, the water we use to grow it, and the air it is exposed to. Plastic packaging can also contaminate food, especially when it is cut, torn, or heated.
Breaded shrimp, plant-based nuggets, and chicken nuggets are among the most contaminated proteins. Other foods with high levels of microplastics include tea, rice, seafood, and bottled water.
It is difficult to know exactly how much plastic we consume, as it is often in the form of tiny nanoparticles. However, some estimates suggest that the average person consumes the equivalent of 17 credit cards worth of microplastics annually from seafood alone.
The health risks of consuming microplastics are still not fully understood. However, experts are concerned that they may contribute to heart disease, lung disorders, and other health problems.
