Plastic Ingestion: The Human Body's Unseen Danger

Humans are ingesting a lot of plastic. Research has found that people eat at least 50,000 plastic particles a year, or 5 grams of microplastics in a week. This is about the weight of a credit card. One study found 20 bits of microplastic in every 10 grams of human faeces. While it's not yet clear how these particles are affecting human health, experts say this much plastic exposure is probably not good.

How much plastic do humans ingest per year?

It is estimated that the average person eats 5 grams of microplastics in a week, which is about the weight of a credit card. This equates to 50,000 to 52,000 particles annually from various food sources. However, these figures are likely to be underestimated as nano-sized plastic particles are significantly harder to identify and quantify, so they are often unaccounted for.

Microplastics are any piece of plastic smaller than 5mm, with nanoplastics being a subcategory of microplastics that are less than a micron in size and invisible to the human eye. They are either intentionally manufactured for commercial uses, such as glitter, or formed when larger pieces of plastic break down over time due to exposure to the elements.

The largest dietary source of microplastics is drinking water, but it is almost impossible to eat a meal without ingesting particulate matter as "there's plastic in the air", which can settle on everything it comes into contact with. Research on human faeces has found 20 bits of microplastic in every 10 grams of excreta when testing eight international samples.

How much plastic do humans ingest per week?

It is estimated that humans ingest 5 grams of microplastics per week, which is the equivalent of one credit card. This is based on an analysis that predicts a total ingested mass of 0.1-5 grams of microplastics per week. This figure only takes into account microplastic particles, and nano-sized plastic particles are significantly harder to identify and quantify, so they are often unaccounted for.

Some studies have estimated that the average person might eat up to 52,000 particles of microplastics annually from various food sources, which equates to approximately 50,000 plastic particles per year. This means that humans are ingesting a significant amount of plastic, which can potentially harm the human body.

One study calculated that the total mass of ingested microplastic particles corresponds to 50 plastic bags per year or a median value of 4.1 μg/week for adults. These estimates are based on an analysis that predicts a total ingested mass of 0.1-5 grams of microplastics per week.

It is important to note that these estimates may be underestimated due to the challenges in identifying and quantifying nano-sized plastic particles.

How does plastic get into our food?

It is estimated that people eat at least 50,000 plastic particles a year, or 5 grams of microplastics in a week. This is about the weight of a credit card.

Plastic gets into our food through the air. Plastic particles can settle on everything they come into contact with. This means that it is almost impossible to eat a meal without ingesting plastic.

Research on human faeces found 20 bits of microplastic in every 10 grams of excreta when testing eight international samples.

Inhaling airborne microplastic fibres has been shown to cause respiratory inflammation in some people. Research on fish who ingested microplastics found evidence of neurotoxicity and oxidative damage.

What are the health effects of ingesting plastic?

Research into the health effects of ingesting plastic is still in its infancy, but there is evidence that humans constantly inhale and ingest microplastics through contaminated seafood, water, and commonly consumed beverages. Microplastics have also been found in salt, with the average adult consuming approximately 2,000 microplastics per year through this source alone.

Chemicals found in plastic, such as styrene, have been linked to a number of health issues, including nervous system problems, hearing loss, endocrine disruption, weight gain, insulin resistance, decreased reproductive health, and various cancers. These chemicals can leach from plastic products into our food and water, and even low doses may have an effect on our health.

Children and infants in the womb are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of plastics due to the sensitivity of early human development to hazardous chemicals. Exposure to plastics has been found to increase the risk of birth complications, lung growth issues, and childhood cancer.

While the specific health effects of ingesting microplastics are not yet fully understood, experts agree that there will be some impact on human health. The difficulty of removing plastic from the environment once it has entered ecosystems is a cause for concern, as plastic pollution will continue to affect human health for generations to come.

How can we avoid ingesting plastic?

It is estimated that people eat at least 50,000 plastic particles a year, or 5 grams of microplastics in a week. This is the equivalent of 50 plastic bags per year, or one credit card per week.

To avoid ingesting plastic, it is important to be aware of the sources of plastic pollution and to take steps to reduce exposure. Plastic pollution can come from a variety of sources, including food, water, and air. Here are some ways to reduce your exposure to plastic:

• Avoid using single-use plastics: Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, bottles, and straws, are a major source of plastic pollution. By reducing your use of these items, you can help reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in the environment and, potentially, in your body.
• Choose fresh, whole foods: Processed and packaged foods are more likely to contain plastic contaminants. By choosing fresh, whole foods, you can reduce your exposure to plastic.
• Filter your water: Plastic particles can be found in both tap and bottled water. By using a high-quality water filter, you can remove these particles and reduce your plastic intake.
• Reduce your exposure to airborne plastic: Plastic fibres can be inhaled and ingested. To reduce your exposure, avoid breathing in dust and particles, especially in industrial or construction settings. Wearing a mask can also help to filter out plastic particles.
• Support plastic reduction initiatives: Advocate for policies and initiatives that reduce plastic pollution, such as bans on single-use plastics or improved recycling programs. By reducing the amount of plastic in the environment, we can also reduce our exposure to it.

By taking these steps, you can help reduce your exposure to plastic and potentially improve your health. While it is difficult to completely avoid plastic ingestion, being mindful of your plastic consumption and taking steps to reduce it can make a significant difference.

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