Plastic Consumption: Is Any Amount Ever Safe?

Plastic is everywhere, and it is now undeniable that we are consuming it in our food and water. A recent study by the Medical University of Vienna found that people ingest an average of 5 grams of micro and nanoplastics per week, an amount equivalent to the weight of a credit card. However, the true amount of plastic ingested is likely to be much higher, as this study only considered plastic entering the gastrointestinal tract and did not account for plastic particles inhaled as airborne dust. While the health effects of consuming plastic are still not fully understood, there is growing concern among researchers, and it is probably not good for our bodies.

Plastic in our food and water

Plastic is in our food, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. Humans have produced over 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic since the 1950s, 79% of which has ended up in landfills and the natural environment. Discarded plastic breaks down into microplastics (between 0.001 and 5mm in size) and nanoplastics (less than 0.001mm in size), which enter our food and water.

A study by the Medical University of Vienna found that people ingest an average of 5 grams of plastic particles per week, equivalent to a credit card's weight. However, this number is an estimate with a wide range, from 0.1 grams to 5 grams. People who drink 1.5 to 2 litres of bottled water a day can ingest up to 90,000 plastic particles annually, while tap water can reduce this amount to 40,000 particles, depending on the location.

Microplastics enter our food and water through various pathways. Single-use plastics break down and find their way into waterways and soil, eventually reaching the oceans and accumulating in seafood. Microplastics are ingested by plankton and then consumed by fish, ending up on our plates. Microplastics are also released from plastic kitchen utensils and cutting boards, as well as tea bags, especially when exposed to hot water. They can be found in commonly consumed foods like salt, sugar, and precooked rice.

The health effects of ingesting microplastics are still being investigated, but they have been linked to potential changes in the gut microbiome and metabolic diseases. Microplastics can trigger local inflammation and immune responses, and their small size may allow them to pass through the intestinal wall, enter tissues and the bloodstream, and cause further issues. While there is no established 'safe' level of microplastic intake, it is advisable to minimise exposure as much as possible.

How much plastic we eat

It is difficult to determine exactly how much plastic humans consume, as there are various factors at play. Firstly, studies have used different methodologies, units of measurement, and data sources, making it challenging to compare results directly. Secondly, plastic consumption can vary widely between individuals, depending on factors such as diet, water consumption habits, and exposure to plastic particles in the environment.

That being said, research suggests that human consumption of plastic, specifically microplastics and nanoplastics, is a significant issue. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles ranging in size from 0.001 to 5 millimetres, while nanoplastics are even smaller, measuring less than 0.001 millimetres. These particles can enter our bodies through various pathways, including the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the air we breathe.

Studies have estimated that humans consume between 0.1 to 5 grams of plastic per week, with 5 grams being the upper end of the range. This amount is roughly equivalent to the weight of a credit card. However, it is important to note that this estimate primarily considers microplastics and may underestimate total plastic consumption when considering nanoplastics as well.

Plastic particles have been found in a variety of food sources, including seafood, fruit, and vegetables. They can also be present in packaged and precooked foods, as well as in teabags. Drinking water, especially bottled water, is another significant source of plastic ingestion. Additionally, plastic particles can be released from synthetic clothing during washing, and these particles can then be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

The health implications of ingesting and inhaling microplastics and nanoplastics are still being investigated, but experts believe it could pose risks to human health. Studies have found plastic nanoparticles in the placenta and fetus of pregnant rats within 24 hours of exposure. Plastic particles have also been detected in human lung, liver, spleen, and kidney tissue. While the full extent of the harm is not yet understood, experts suggest that the body likely treats these foreign substances as invaders, triggering immune responses and potentially leading to a range of adverse health outcomes.

How to avoid eating plastic

While it is difficult to completely avoid ingesting plastic, there are several ways to mitigate your intake. Here are some tips to help you avoid eating plastic:

Avoid Plastic-Packaged and Processed Foods

Choose whole foods and minimally processed options. Highly processed foods like hamburgers, ready-to-eat meals, French fries, and canned foods are often linked to higher levels of phthalate microplastics. Embrace eco-friendly packaging materials like glass, stainless steel, or bamboo containers and utensils. Avoid single-use plastic water bottles, as studies have found that a one-litre bottle can contain up to 240,000 plastic fragments. Instead, opt for filtered tap water and use a reusable bottle.

Beware of Microwaving Plastic

Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers or with plastic wrap. The heat can cause plastic to break down and release chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) into your food. It's safer to use glass or ceramic dishes for microwaving. Similarly, avoid buying frozen pre-packaged meals that you heat in the microwave, as these have been in prolonged contact with plastic and can release microplastics during heating.

Reduce Seafood and Red Meat Consumption

Fish and bivalves like clams and oysters consume microplastics in the ocean, which we then ingest when we eat them. Mussels and oysters have been found to have some of the highest levels of microplastics. If you enjoy seafood, consider skipping bivalves and opting for fish occasionally. There is also growing evidence that red meat contains plastic particles, so it's advisable to limit your intake.

Avoid Plastic in Personal Care and Household Products

Microplastics are commonly found in cosmetics, toothpaste, skincare products, and household cleaning items. Opt for natural alternatives and support brands that use eco-friendly packaging. Be mindful that dust in your home can contain microplastics, so regular cleaning with a fibre-catching filter vacuum can help reduce your exposure.

Choose Natural Fibres for Clothing

Synthetic fibres, such as polyester, can shed microplastic fibres that you may breathe in or ingest. Opt for natural materials like wool, silk, or hemp for your clothing choices.

While it is challenging to eliminate plastic consumption entirely, implementing these changes can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful microplastics and improve your overall health and environmental impact.

Health effects of eating plastic

While there is no definitive answer to how much plastic is safe to eat, studies have shown that humans likely consume between 0.1 to 5 grams of plastic per week. This is equivalent to about a credit card's weight in plastic. This plastic consumption occurs through various sources, such as seafood, fruit and vegetables, bottled water, and even breathing.

The health effects of consuming such small particles of plastic are still being investigated, but initial findings suggest that it can lead to changes in the composition of the gut microbiome. These changes have been linked to metabolic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and chronic liver disease. The particles can also trigger local inflammation and an immune response, especially in the case of nanoplastics.

Additionally, chemicals in plastic can be transferred to food when heated, such as through microwaving. These chemicals, including styrene and phthalates, have been linked to harmful health effects, including various cancers, a weakened immune system, reproductive problems, premature births, asthma, miscarriage, and abnormal male sexual development.

While the long-term effects of ingesting small amounts of plastic are still unknown, it is generally recommended to reduce plastic consumption and exposure as much as possible. This can be done by avoiding plastic packaging, drinking tap water instead of bottled water, and not heating food in plastic containers.

In summary, the health effects of eating plastic are still being studied, but initial findings suggest it can lead to various health issues. It is important to try to minimize plastic consumption and exposure to potentially reduce the risk of these negative health effects.

Safe plastics for food storage

It is difficult to ascertain exactly how much plastic humans consume, as the particles can vary widely in weight and size. However, studies have estimated that people consume up to 5 grams of microplastics per week, which is roughly equivalent to the weight of a credit card. To put this into perspective, those who drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water from plastic bottles ingest up to 90,000 plastic particles per year.

When it comes to food storage, it is essential to use safe plastics to protect consumers from potential harm. The safest plastics for food storage are typically those with recycling numbers 2, 4, and 5. These plastics are considered food-grade, which means they are generally safe for food packaging and storage.

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), denoted by the number 2, is commonly used for milk bottles, juice containers, and laundry products. It is stiff, durable, and well-suited for packaging products with a short shelf life. However, it should be noted that used milk jugs are not recommended for food storage as they are challenging to sanitise properly, and the plastic tends to break down over time.

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), denoted by the number 4, is used for dry-cleaning bags, bread and frozen food bags, and squeezable bottles for products like mustard and honey. While LDPE is considered food-grade, it may not be ideal for long-term food storage due to sanitation concerns.

PP (Polypropylene), denoted by the number 5, is a versatile plastic that can be either stiff or flexible. It is commonly used for food containers such as yoghurt pots, margarine tubs, and medicine bottles.

PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate), denoted by the number 1, is a clear, tough plastic with gas and moisture barrier properties. It is commonly used for beverages, food products, and peanut butter, pickles, and salad dressings. PET is considered safe for food storage, even after recycling, due to its antimicrobial properties and corrosion resistance. However, it is important to note that reused PET containers may leach estrogenic compounds, which are hormone-disrupting chemicals.

It is important to avoid using plastic containers that are not intended for food storage, as they may contain toxins or be difficult to disinfect. Additionally, certain plastics, like polystyrene (PS), are widely used in packaging but typically do not come in containers suitable for food storage.

To summarise, while it is challenging to avoid consuming microplastics entirely, using safe plastics for food storage is crucial for consumer protection. The safest options are typically plastics with recycling numbers 2, 4, and 5, although PET (number 1) is also considered safe, especially for long-term food storage, despite the potential for hormone-disrupting chemical leaching.

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