Alexei Volkov
A recent study found that 90% of table salt brands sampled worldwide contain microplastics. Salt is produced by evaporating seawater, an ancient technique. However, this method of production has led to the presence of microplastics in salt. While the health effects of microplastics are still unknown, their presence in table salt has raised concerns about potential health impacts. Additionally, there have been claims that table salt contains glass, but these allegations have been debunked, and glass is not listed in the ingredients of popular salt brands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Microplastics in table salt | 90% of table salt sampled worldwide contains microplastics |
| Microplastics in salt from Taiwan | All 11 salt products tested from Taiwan contained microplastics |
| Global occurrence of microplastics in salt | 94% of salt products tested worldwide contained microplastics |
| Average microplastics in salt | 140.2 microplastic particles/kg |
| Average annual microplastics ingested from salt | Several hundred microplastic particles |
| Microplastics in Himalayan Rock Salt | One brand contained some of the highest levels of microplastics |
| Plastic contamination of salt | Plastic pollution in the sea leads to the formation and spread of microplastics in salt |
| Glass in table salt | No evidence that table salt contains glass |
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What You'll Learn
Microplastics are found in 90% of table salt
Microplastics have been detected in table salt worldwide, with recent research showing that 90% of table salt brands sampled worldwide contain microplastics. Out of 39 salt brands tested, 36 contained microplastics. The study, conducted by researchers in South Korea and Greenpeace East Asia, is the first of its scale to examine the geographical spread of microplastics in table salt and their correlation with environmental plastic pollution.
Salt samples from 21 countries across Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Asia were analyzed. The density of microplastics varied significantly among different brands, with Asian brands having notably higher levels. Indonesian salt, in particular, was found to have the highest quantities of microplastics. This is not surprising given that Indonesia ranked as having the second-worst level of plastic pollution globally in an unrelated 2015 study.
The study also examined salt from different sources: sea, rock, and lake salt. Sea salt had the highest levels of microplastics, followed by lake salt and then rock salt. This finding aligns with the geographic density of plastic pollution, indicating that environmental contamination is a significant contributor to the presence of microplastics in salt.
The discovery of microplastics in table salt adds to the growing concern about the omnipresence of plastic pollution and its potential impact on human health. While the effects of microplastics on humans are still unclear, it is estimated that the average adult consumes approximately 2,000 microplastics per year through salt.
To mitigate exposure, consumers are advised to opt for high-quality salts with non-plastic packaging. Glass or stainless steel containers are recommended for storing food to minimize the risk of microplastic leakage from plastic containers.
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Plastic pollution is a worsening environmental problem
The environmental impact of this plastic waste is significant, with plastic pollution most visible in developing Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems are often inefficient or non-existent. However, the developed world, particularly countries with low recycling rates, also struggles to properly collect and manage discarded plastics. The mismanagement of plastic waste, through improper disposal methods such as dumping or inadequate recycling, leads to plastic pollution in the environment. This is a critical issue, as plastic pollution can affect wildlife, ecosystems, and human health.
One of the primary ways plastic pollution enters the environment is through waterways. Trash is carried to the sea by major rivers, which act as conveyor belts, picking up more trash as they move downstream. Once in the ocean, plastic pollution can spread globally, with ocean currents carrying plastic waste to even the most remote and uninhabited places on Earth. The breakdown of plastic pollution into microplastics further exacerbates the issue, as these tiny particles can be ingested by marine life and enter the food chain.
Microplastics have been detected in table salt worldwide, providing further evidence of the ubiquity of plastic pollution. A recent study found microplastics in 90% of the table salt brands sampled worldwide, with Asian brands containing especially high quantities. The study also revealed that salt sourced from Asia may have the highest microplastic contamination, followed by Pacific Sea Salt, Celtic Sea Salt, and Himalayan Rock Salt. The presence of microplastics in table salt underscores the extent of plastic pollution and its potential impact on human health, as the average adult may be consuming approximately 2,000 microplastics per year through salt intake.
To address the worsening problem of plastic pollution, efforts must be made to prevent plastics from entering waterways and the ocean. This can be achieved through improved waste management systems, better product design, and a reduction in the manufacturing of single-use plastics. Additionally, individuals can take steps to reduce their plastic consumption, such as using reusable water bottles, avoiding food and drinks packaged in plastic, and storing food in glass or wooden containers. By taking collective action, we can work towards mitigating the environmental, social, and health risks associated with plastic pollution.
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Microplastics are toxic and threatening to human health
Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5mm that have become ubiquitous in the environment. They are found in the oceans, remote islands, and polar regions, and have entered our food chain through seafood and, more recently, table salt. The average adult may be ingesting 2,000 microplastics per year, and microplastics have been detected throughout the human body, including in the blood, saliva, liver, kidneys, and placenta.
The health effects of microplastics on humans are still not fully understood, and more research is needed to determine the risks they pose. However, studies in cell cultures, marine wildlife, and animal models indicate that microplastics can have toxic effects on the body, including oxidative damage, inflammation, DNA damage, metabolic disorder, immune response, neurotoxicity, and changes in gene activity, which are known risk factors for cancer development. Microplastics have also been linked to reproductive and developmental issues, with reports of microplastic accumulation causing malnutrition, inflammation, reduced fertility, and mortality in marine and aquatic organisms.
The threat of microplastics is further exacerbated by their ability to infiltrate cells, with particles smaller than 1 micrometer, known as nanoplastics, being of particular concern. These nanoplastics can enter cells in multiple ways and even penetrate cell nuclei. The variety and complexity of microplastics make it challenging to pinpoint specific risks, but the evidence suggests that their presence in the body can lead to cell death, lung and liver issues, changes in the gut microbiome, and altered lipid and hormone metabolism.
Additionally, microplastics may magnify the toxicity of other substances, such as cadmium, and there are concerns that they can carry antibiotic-resistant bacteria and pathogens into our bodies. The production and destruction of plastics also contribute to climate change, further jeopardizing human health. While the full extent of the dangers may not be known, the widespread presence of microplastics in our environment and food chain underscores the urgent need for further research and regulation to protect human health.
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A Facebook video made false claims about glass in table salt
A Facebook video has been flagged for making false claims about glass being present in table salt. The video, which has been flagged by Meta for containing misinformation, claims that table salt contains 25% glass, which cuts arteries and causes high blood pressure. However, this claim is false, and there is no evidence to support it.
The ingredients listed in Morton iodized table salt are salt, potassium iodide (added to provide iodine), dextrose (a type of sugar that prevents iodine from evaporating), and calcium silicate (a compound that prevents salt crystals from sticking together). Morton also offers a table salt option without iodine, which is a mineral found in foods like eggs and fish. Iodine deficiency can lead to swelling of the thyroid gland.
While it is true that salt consumption is linked to high blood pressure, this is due to the presence of sodium in salt. A high-sodium diet can increase blood pressure and the risk of heart disease and stroke, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Recent studies have found that microplastics are present in table salt worldwide. A review of 39 salt brands revealed that 36 of them contained microplastics, with Asian brands having especially high quantities. Salt sourced from Indonesia had the highest levels of microplastics. Microplastics are also present in sea salt, lake salt, and rock salt, with sea salt having the highest levels.
To reduce exposure to microplastics, it is recommended to buy high-quality salts or rock salts and opt for non-plastic packaging. Reusable water bottles, food storage containers made of glass or wood, and purchasing drinks and produce packaged in glass or stainless steel are also suggested.
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Salt is produced by evaporating seawater
Salt is a common household staple that can be sourced from the sea, lakes, or rocks. Salt is produced by evaporating seawater, a technique that has been used since prehistoric times. The process of salt production through seawater evaporation has been practised in various regions, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Korea, England, and Hawaii.
In Indonesia, Madura Island is known for producing salt by evaporating seawater. This ancient technique involves evaporating seawater to obtain salt crystals. In the Philippines, traditional salt production involves using coconut husks, driftwood, or other plant matter. These materials are soaked in seawater for several months, burned into ash, and then filtered with seawater to create brine, which is then evaporated in containers.
In England, during the Roman and medieval periods, salt production was associated with areas like The Wash in eastern England. The tide brought brine, and the sun's energy helped evaporate the brine to produce salt. In Hawaii, native Hawaiians have traditionally collected salt from rocky shoreline pools, where seawater evaporates naturally through solar evaporation. They have also constructed shallow clay ponds to harvest salt on a larger scale.
The process of evaporating seawater to produce salt involves concentrating the seawater brine and allowing it to evaporate, leaving behind solid salt crystals. This can be done using solar energy in warm and dry climates, or with fuel sources in other regions. The remaining salt crystals are then scraped out and sold.
While salt is produced through seawater evaporation, it is important to note that recent studies have found microplastics in table salt from various regions. Microplastics have been detected in salt samples from different countries, with Asian brands, particularly those from Indonesia, showing higher levels of microplastic contamination. However, it is important to mention that not all salt sources contain plastic or glass, and further studies are needed to understand the health implications of microplastics fully.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, microplastics have been found in table salt. A study by researchers in South Korea and Greenpeace East Asia found microplastics in 90% of the table salt brands sampled worldwide.
No, there is no evidence to support the claim that table salt contains glass. This claim was flagged as false information by Facebook and fact-checked by Poynter.
Microplastics enter table salt through environmental contamination, especially from oceans and lakes. They can also enter through secondary pollution during the production and packaging processes.
Sea salt tends to have higher levels of microplastics compared to rock salt and lake salt. Salt from Asia, particularly Indonesia, has been found to have some of the highest levels of microplastic contamination.
The potential health impacts of consuming microplastics in table salt are not yet fully understood. Microplastics have been found to absorb and transmit dangerous pollutants, and their inherent toxicity poses a threat to human health. More studies are needed to determine the specific health effects.
