Omar Khalid
Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, with plastic waste accumulating in the environment and human bodies. People ingest an average of 5 grams of plastic weekly, mainly through plastic-infused drinking water and food. This plastic contamination comes from microplastics, particles smaller than 5mm, which are found in various sources like clothing fibres, toothpaste, and larger plastic items that break down over time. While the health effects of long-term plastic exposure are still being researched, its presence in human organs and potential harm cannot be ignored. The focus now is on reducing plastic production and improving waste management to tackle plastic pollution at its source.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average amount of plastic ingested by a person per week | 5 grams (equivalent to a credit card) |
| Average number of microplastic particles ingested by a person per week | 2,000 |
| Largest source of plastic ingestion | Drinking water |
| Amount of plastic in human brains | Equivalent to five bottle caps |
| Amount of plastic ingested by a person in a month | Equivalent to a 4x2 Lego brick |
| Amount of plastic ingested by a person in a year | Equivalent to a fireman's helmet |
| Amount of plastic ingested by a person in a decade | 2.5 kg (equivalent to two sizable pieces of plastic pipe) |
| Amount of plastic ingested by a person in a lifetime | 20 kg |
| Amount of plastic generated in the United States in 2018 | 35.7 million tons |
| Amount of plastic sent to landfills in 2018 | 27 million tons |
| Percentage of plastic among municipal solid waste (MSW) landfilled in 2018 | 18.5% |
| Amount of plastic generated globally in 2019 | 460 million tons |
| Global plastic production by 2050 | Expected to triple |
| Amount of plastic entering oceans annually | 1-2 million tons |
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What You'll Learn
Humans ingest 5 grams of plastic weekly
It is estimated that humans ingest between 0.1 and 5 grams of plastic weekly. This amount of ingested plastic is equivalent to consuming up to 50 plastic bags per year, or one credit card per week.
The amount of plastic ingested by humans varies depending on lifestyle and dietary factors. For example, the type of food consumed, the use of plastic products such as water bottles, and the presence of plastic pollution in the environment can all contribute to the amount of plastic ingested.
A typical plastic grocery bag weighs around 5-7 grams, so ingesting 5 grams of plastic weekly is equivalent to consuming a significant portion of a plastic bag over a short period. This highlights the potential impact of plastic consumption on human health and the environment.
To reduce plastic consumption and ingestion, individuals can make lifestyle and dietary changes. This includes reducing the use of single-use plastic products, such as water bottles, which weigh on average around 17.7 grams, and plastic straws, which weigh about 0.42 grams. Additionally, individuals can be mindful of the presence of plastic pollution in the environment and its potential impact on their health. Overall, by being conscious of plastic consumption and its potential health and environmental impacts, individuals can take steps to reduce their plastic intake and contribute to a healthier planet.
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Plastic in drinking water
Plastic pollution is a growing concern, and it is estimated that more than 330 million metric tons of plastic are produced each year, with a projection that this number will triple by 2050. This pollution breaks down into microplastics, which are particles smaller than 5mm, and these are found in our drinking water. A 2018 Orb Media study estimated that a litre of bottled water from big brands contains roughly 10.4 plastic particles, and the largest source of plastic ingestion is drinking water. On average, a person consumes 1,769 plastic particles a week just by drinking water, and this is backed up by a study from the University of Newcastle, which found that people ingest around 2,000 microplastic particles a week.
The plastic in drinking water comes from two key sources: polypropylene, which is used in bottle caps, and polyester and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which are used in disposable water bottles. The water contained particles of all seven types of plastic, the most common being polyamide, a type of nylon used to filter and purify water. Other plastics identified include polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, and polystyrene, which is also used in water purification.
The presence of plastic in drinking water is a concern due to the potential health risks. While the larger particles are likely to be excreted from the body, there is a need for more research to understand the full impact of microplastics on human health. Some studies have found that certain chemicals found in plastic, such as PFOA, PFOS, and Bisphenol A (BPA), can have adverse effects on the body even at low doses.
To minimise exposure to plastic in drinking water, experts recommend avoiding plastic as much as possible and switching to reusable alternatives made from glass, aluminium, or stainless steel. Charcoal filters can also be used to help remove some contaminants from tap water.
While the exact amount of grams of plastic ingested from drinking water is difficult to determine due to the varying shapes and sizes of plastic particles, it is estimated that an average person consumes between 0.06 and 0.10 grams of plastic per year from drinking water alone. This contributes to the estimated total annual plastic intake of 18.33 to 71.69 grams.
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Plastic in food
Plastic is everywhere in the food industry, from production to packaging. It is difficult to avoid entirely, but there are ways to cut down on plastic exposure.
Plastic is used in a wide range of consumer products, including food packaging and storage. It is so prevalent that it is hard to avoid. However, some plastics are safer than others. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests avoiding containers made of 3, 6, and 7, as these can contain harmful chemicals. Even "safe plastics" can break down over time, especially when exposed to heat, and leach into food.
Microplastics and nanoplastics are small plastic particles that can be found in the environment and in our food. They are formed when larger plastics break down over time due to weathering and other factors. These particles have been found in fruits and vegetables, and packaged goods, and are even fed to animals that eventually become food for humans. Research suggests that single-use plastics can introduce microplastics and chemicals to food, so it is recommended to limit their use and avoid heating food in plastic.
Bottled water has been found to contain microplastics, with one study showing an average of 240,000 plastic particles per litre. Tea bags, especially plastic ones, can also release a significant number of microplastics and nanoplastics into water. Rice is another culprit, with 3-4 milligrams of plastic consumed per 100 grams, increasing to 13 milligrams for instant rice. Washing rice can reduce plastic contamination by up to 40%.
Experts estimate that an adult could be consuming the equivalent of 3 to 12 plastic bags worth of plastic particles per year through water, food, and plasticware. While the impact of these particles on human health is still being studied, it is recommended to reduce plastic exposure where possible, such as by using glass or stainless steel containers for food storage and drinking water.
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Plastic in landfills
Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, with an estimated 12,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste expected to be in landfills or the natural environment by 2050. Landfills are a significant repository of plastic waste, with certain types of plastics, such as LDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, and PET, constituting 48-60% of landfill waste.
The degradation of plastic waste in landfills can lead to the release of harmful substances. Plastic materials undergo chemical changes under specific environmental conditions, resulting in the loss of some of their properties. This degradation can occur through chemical, photo, and biological degradation, leading to the formation of microplastics (MPs) and the leaching of toxic pollutants into the surrounding environment. MPs are small plastic particles that can be transported over long distances and act as carriers of pollutants, including heavy metals and plasticizers.
The presence of MPs in the environment has hazardous effects on floral and faunal species, and they are considered key vehicles and accumulators of non-biodegradable pollutants. The degradation of plastic waste in landfills contributes to the overall plastic pollution crisis, with plastic straws being a notable example. Straws, while lightweight, contribute to a significant portion of plastic pollution, with an estimated 437 million to 8.3 billion plastic straws on the world's coastlines.
Additionally, plastic bags are a significant source of plastic waste, with up to five trillion plastic bags consumed globally each year. These bags contribute to landfill waste and can also end up in natural environments, leading to the ingestion of plastic particles by humans and other species. It is estimated that adults may consume the equivalent of up to 12 plastic bags worth of plastic particles annually through water, food, and plasticware. This highlights the need for tougher regulations and lifestyle changes to reduce plastic consumption and improve waste management practices.
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Plastic in the ocean
Plastic is the most common form of marine debris, and it is a growing problem. While it is difficult to determine exactly how much plastic is in the ocean, scientists estimate that around 8 million metric tons entered the ocean in 2010, and the problem has only worsened since then. Each year, 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean, on top of the estimated 200 million metric tons already circulating in marine environments.
The amount of plastic in the ocean is a growing concern because, unlike some other kinds of waste, plastic does not decompose. Instead, it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces known as microplastics, which can absorb harmful pollutants like pesticides and release them back into the ocean. These microplastics can be found in deep-sea sediments, and their presence in the ocean has been described as the "missing plastic problem." While the amount of plastic floating on the surface of the ocean may appear to be small, it is likely that a significant amount of plastic has sunk to the seabed or been transported offshore.
The primary source of ocean-bound plastic is land-based, with poor waste management being one of the biggest reasons plastic ends up in the ocean. Rivers carry plastic from land to sea, and coastal cities in middle-income countries are the world's plastic emissions hotspots. Most plastic emissions come from middle-income countries, particularly in Asia, where plastic usage is growing, and a lack of adequate waste management systems presents challenges. However, it is important to note that many European countries also ship their plastic waste to Asia, so it is a global issue that requires international cooperation to address effectively.
The impact of plastic in the ocean on marine wildlife is devastating. Marine life can become entangled in derelict fishing nets and other plastic debris, leading to injury or death. Additionally, animals often mistake plastic debris for food, which can cause life-threatening problems, including reduced fitness, nutrient uptake, and feeding efficiency. The problem of plastic in the ocean is not insurmountable, however. By improving waste management practices, reducing plastic consumption, and supporting the development of fundamental waste collection and management systems, we can work towards reducing the amount of plastic entering our oceans and mitigating its harmful effects on marine life and ecosystems.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic bags start out as fossil fuels and often end up as waste in landfills and the ocean. The standard plastic bag weighs 4 grams.
The weight of plastic in a plastic bottle depends on the brand and the size of the bottle. For example, the plastic content of a 500ml bottle can range from 12.6 grams to 21.6 grams.
Plastic straws are manufactured from polypropylene or polystyrene, which are oil-based materials. On average, a plastic straw weighs 0.42 grams.
