Plastic Consumption: An Alarming Annual Average

It is estimated that the average person consumes between 39,000 and 211,000 microplastic particles every year. This is thought to be a conservative estimate, with some studies claiming the number could be as high as 50,000 or even 74,000. These particles are found in seafood, beer, salt, sugar, alcohol, honey, and bottled water. Microplastics are also inhaled through the air and can be found in dust. While the health effects of ingesting microplastics are still unknown, some studies suggest that they may be toxic and impact neurobiology.

Bottled water is the biggest source of microplastics

It is estimated that the average person consumes between 78,000 and 211,000 microplastic particles annually through ingestion, inhalation, and drinking water. The latter is the most significant source of microplastics, with bottled water being the primary contributor.

A study by Orb Media analysed 259 bottles from 19 locations in nine countries across 11 different brands. It found an average of 325 plastic particles per litre of water, with one bottle of Nestlé Pure Life containing up to 10,000 plastic pieces per litre. Only 17 of the 259 bottles tested were plastic-free.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern about the potential health risks of plastic in drinking water. More than 90% of the bottled water brands examined in the Orb Media study contained microplastics. The most prevalent type of plastic fragment was polypropylene, which is used to make bottle caps. Other common types included polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and nylon, which may originate from the bottles and filters used in the purification process.

While the health effects of ingesting microplastics are still being investigated, their presence in bottled water highlights the need for improved filtration methods and stricter regulations to ensure the safety of drinking water sources. The release of this research has prompted bottled water companies like Coca-Cola and Gerolsteiner to acknowledge the possibility of plastic fibres in their products, even with strict filtration protocols in place.

Microplastics are found in beer, salt, seafood, sugar, alcohol, and honey

It is estimated that humans ingest between 0.1 and 5 grams of microplastics per week, which is the equivalent of about 50 plastic bags or one credit card per week. While the exact amount of plastic consumed per year remains unknown, it is clear that microplastics are present in many of the foods and beverages we consume daily.

A study published in the journal PLOS ONE in 2018 found microplastics in sea salt and tap water. The study analyzed 159 water samples from 14 countries and found plastic in 81% of the samples. The research also revealed that water sourced from developed nations, including those in the European Union, had higher levels of plastic contamination, with an average of 6.85 particles per liter compared to 4.2 in less developed countries.

In addition to water, microplastics have been detected in alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits. A study titled "A microscopic survey on microplastics in beverages: the case of beer, mineral water, and tea" found that beer typically contains 20-80 microplastic particles per liter. These microplastics can come from various sources, including raw materials, atmospheric deposition, and contamination from tools and containers used during production and packaging.

Microplastics have also been found in seafood, with studies showing their presence in commonly consumed fish species such as the green back mullet and sin croaker. Bivalve mollusks, such as mussels, can also contain microplastics, with higher quantities found in those purchased from markets than in wild bivalves. The ingestion of microplastics by crustaceans can be accidental or related to their dietary strategies, with swimming crustaceans ingesting more microplastics than sessile species.

Furthermore, microplastics have been detected in sugar and honey. A study of Indian sugar brands found microplastics in all brands, ranging in size from 0.1 mm to 5 mm in the form of fibers, pellets, films, and fragments. Similarly, a study of honey samples from Türkiye found microplastics in 75% of the samples, with approximately 92% of the identified particles being plastic.

The presence of microplastics in these commonly consumed foods and beverages highlights the need for further research on their potential health risks and the development of strategies to reduce human exposure.

Microplastics can be inhaled through the air

It is estimated that the average person consumes between 50 plastic bags' worth and one credit card's worth of microplastics per year. This includes microplastics that are inhaled through the air. Microplastics in the air are not limited to heavily populated areas; they also pollute undeveloped regions.

Air inhaled by humans contains an average of 9.8 particles of microplastics per m³. For reference, a 31-51-year-old inhales an average of 16 m³ of air per day. This means that the average person inhales between 156.8 and 768 microplastic particles per day.

Microplastics in the air come from a variety of sources, including outdoor sources such as car tires, which constantly abrade and release invisible plastics into the air as they roll along, and wind transporting plastic particles from the ocean. Indoor sources of microplastics in the air include clothing, furniture, and mattresses, as well as outdoor sources coming in through ventilation.

Inhaled microplastics can cause lung inflammation in humans, which can lead to tissue damage, excess mucus, pneumonia, bronchitis, scarring, and possibly cancer. Microplastics have also been found in the human blood, liver, and brain, and can affect reproduction, cardiovascular health, and neurological function.

Microplastics are ingested through dust

The average person is estimated to consume between 50 plastic bags' worth and one credit card's worth of microplastics per year. This is based on a calculation of 0.1 g to 5 g of microplastics consumed per week. However, it is important to note that these estimates may contain errors and should be interpreted with caution.

Microplastics, particles smaller than 5 millimeters that slough off plastic as it degrades, are prevalent in various everyday items and environments. They can be found in dust, fabrics, cosmetics, cleaning products, and even in the air we breathe. Microplastics can enter our bodies through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through the skin, gastrointestinal system, or lungs.

One significant source of microplastic ingestion is indoor dust. A study analyzing dust samples from 12 countries found high concentrations of microplastics, with PET-based microplastics detected in all samples. The daily intake of microplastics via indoor dust ingestion in infants was estimated to be on the order of µg/kg bw.

The presence of microplastics in dust and their subsequent ingestion pose potential health risks. Research has linked microplastic exposure to illnesses, particularly in workplace settings with synthetic fibers. Inhalation of microplastics can lead to respiratory and lung diseases. Once ingested, microplastics can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, potentially causing inflammation and various gastrointestinal symptoms. They may also affect the intestinal microbiome, leading to an imbalance.

Additionally, microplastics can act as a medium for transporting bacteria and adsorbing persistent organic pollutants, such as cadmium, which can magnify the potency of other toxicant exposures. The physical properties of microplastics and the chemicals they carry, such as BPA, phthalates, and heavy metals, pose further hazards. These chemicals are known or suspected to disrupt the nervous, reproductive, and other systems in the human body.

Microplastics are found in our organs, blood, and semen

The presence of microplastics in the human body is a growing concern. Research has found that microplastics are present in our organs, blood, and semen, with potential impacts on our health that are yet to be fully understood.

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are born from the disposal and breakdown of consumer products like single-use plastic bottles, food packaging, and auto parts. These particles can be as small as less than 1 micrometer in size, making them difficult to detect and remove from the environment. The average person is estimated to consume between 78,000 and 211,000 microplastic particles annually, primarily through the ingestion of contaminated water and food, as well as inhalation.

Recent studies have detected microplastics in human blood for the first time, indicating that these particles can travel through the bloodstream and accumulate in various organs and tissues. Microplastics have been found in human hearts, impacting cardiovascular health and heightening the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, microplastics have been discovered in the testicles of human subjects, raising concerns about potential effects on reproductive health.

Further research has identified microplastics in human semen samples, with potential implications for reproduction. The presence of microplastics in semen was analyzed in a study conducted in a polluted area of Southern Italy, where 16 pigmented microplastic fragments were found in six out of ten samples. These findings add to the growing evidence that microplastics are infiltrating various biological systems and accumulating in the human body.

While the exact health consequences of microplastic ingestion are still being investigated, experts recommend reducing exposure by avoiding plastic containers, bottles, and packaging, consuming fresh and organic food, and advocating for systematic changes to address plastic production and pollution.

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