Alexei Volkov
Humans may be consuming anywhere from 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles a year, according to a study in the journal Environmental Science and Technology. With added estimates of how much microplastic might be inhaled, that number is more than 74,000. But how much plastic are we really eating, and should we be worried about it?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of plastic particles consumed per year | 39,000 to 52,000 |
| Number of plastic particles consumed per year (including inhalation) | 74,000+ |
| Number of micrograms of microplastic consumed per week | 4 |
| Number of grams of microplastic consumed per year | 5.5 |
| Number of plastic bags consumed per year | 12 |
What You'll Learn
Microplastics in food
It is estimated that humans consume anywhere from 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles a year. With added estimates of how much microplastic might be inhaled, that number is more than 74,000. A microplastic particle is any piece of plastic smaller than five millimetres, but many are much smaller and only visible under a microscope.
Microplastics are found in food and drink, including beer, salt, seafood, sugar, alcohol, and honey. The amount of microplastics in food currently represents only 15% of the calories consumed by the average person.
The health effects of ingesting microplastics are still being researched, but scientists think exposure to these substances can threaten human health. Studies have linked microplastics to a greater risk of stroke or heart attack.
The amount of microplastics consumed by humans is a growing concern, and more research is needed to understand the full extent of the problem.
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Microplastics in drinking water
Microplastics are a serious threat to human health. These tiny pieces of plastic, often referred to as nanoplastics, are consumed by people every day. A study in the journal *Environmental Science and Technology* found that humans may be consuming anywhere from 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles a year. When estimates of inhaled microplastics are included, this number rises to over 74,000.
Microplastics have been found in a wide range of food and drink products, including beer, salt, seafood, sugar, alcohol, and honey. They have also been detected in drinking water. This means that people are unknowingly ingesting microplastics on a regular basis, which could have harmful effects on their health.
The health risks associated with microplastic consumption are still being studied, but initial research suggests that it may increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. The build-up of these small particles in the body is a cause for concern, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential dangers.
While the amount of microplastics in our environment is concerning, it is important to note that the research on this topic is still scarce. However, efforts are being made to better understand the issue, and more information is expected to be available in the coming years. In the meantime, it is crucial to raise awareness about the presence of microplastics in our food and water supplies and to take steps to reduce our exposure to these harmful substances.
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Microplastics in the air
It is estimated that humans consume anywhere from 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles a year. With added estimates of how much microplastic might be inhaled, that number is more than 74,000. A microplastic particle is any piece of plastic smaller than five millimetres, but many are much smaller and only visible under a microscope.
Microplastics are found in food and drink, including beer, salt, seafood, sugar, alcohol, and honey. They are also found in the air. The average person unknowingly swallows tiny pieces of plastic every day. These microplastics can also be inhaled.
The health effects of ingesting microplastics are not yet fully understood, but scientists think exposure to these substances can threaten human health. Studies have linked exposure to microplastics to a greater risk of stroke or heart attack.
The amount of microplastics in the environment is a growing concern, and more research is needed to understand the full extent of the problem and its potential impact on human health.
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Nanoplastics
A study published in the journal *Environmental Science and Technology* found that humans may be consuming anywhere from 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles a year. With added estimates of how much microplastic might be inhaled, that number is more than 74,000. Another study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimated that the average person may be eating the equivalent of 12 plastic bags a year.
The amount of microplastics consumed varies depending on the individual and their environment. A person's diet, occupation, and location can all impact their exposure to microplastics. For example, seafood is known to contain high levels of microplastics, so someone who regularly consumes seafood may have a higher intake of microplastics compared to someone who does not.
The health effects of ingesting nanoplastics or microplastics are still being studied, but initial research suggests that it can threaten human health. Studies have linked the consumption of microplastics to an increased risk of stroke or heart attack. More research is needed to fully understand the potential dangers of these small particles' build-up in the body.
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Health effects of ingesting microplastics
It is estimated that humans may be consuming anywhere from 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles a year, or 4 micrograms of microplastic per week. This is equivalent to 12 plastic bags a year.
The health effects of ingesting microplastics are not yet fully understood, but scientists think that exposure to these substances can threaten human health. Studies have linked the ingestion of microplastics to a greater risk of stroke or heart attack. Research on the health effects of ingesting microplastics is currently underway, and more is expected to be known in the next few years.
Microplastics are found in a variety of foods and drinks, including beer, salt, seafood, sugar, alcohol, and honey. They are also present in drinking water and air. The build-up of these small particles in the body could potentially lead to other health issues, but more research is needed to fully understand the impact of microplastics on human health.
It is important to note that the research on microplastics in food currently only represents 15% of the calories consumed by the average person, so the true extent of microplastic ingestion may be higher than currently estimated.
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Frequently asked questions
Humans may be consuming anywhere from 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles a year. With added estimates of how much microplastic might be inhaled, that number is more than 74,000.
A microplastic particle is any piece of plastic smaller than five millimetres, but many are much smaller and only visible under a microscope.
Microplastics are found in food and drink, including beer, salt, seafood, sugar, alcohol, and honey. They are also found in drinking water and air.
Scientists think exposure to microplastics can threaten human health, with studies linking it to a greater risk of stroke or heart attack. However, there is limited research on the health effects of ingesting microplastics.
One estimate suggests that the average person consumes about 4 micrograms of microplastic per week, which is about 25,000 times smaller than the lowest estimate from another research paper. Another estimate suggests that in the worst cases, certain humans may consume up to 5 grams per year of microplastics.
