The Unseen Plastic In Our Food

Plastic is everywhere. In the soil, the ocean, the lakes, the air, and even in the food we eat. Humans have been fabricating plastic for about 70 years, and in that time, we've generated enough plastic to infiltrate almost every corner of the planet. This plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller fragments, known as microplastics, but it doesn't fully decompose. So, how much residual plastic do we eat? It's hard to say exactly, but studies estimate that the average person may consume anywhere from 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles a year, with some estimates reaching over 74,000 when inhalation is included. That's the equivalent of eating a credit card's worth of plastic per week.

Microplastics are in our food and water

Plastic waste is everywhere, from the Arctic snow to remote deserts, and it is likely affecting neurobiology. Microplastics, a type of plastic smaller than 5mm, are particularly pervasive. They form when plastic breaks down into tiny particles that end up in the ocean, air, and soil.

Microplastics have been found in human lung, liver, spleen, kidney tissue, organs, blood, and even semen. A study found that there were 20 bits of microplastic in every 10 grams of human excreta. Another study found that the average person might eat 5 grams of microplastics in a week, which is about the weight of a credit card. The average exposure of American adults to microplastics is estimated to range between 11,000 and 29,000 particles a year.

Microplastics have been detected in a variety of foods, including seafood, vegetables, fruits, rice, tea, and bottled water. Breaded shrimp, plant-based nuggets, and chicken nuggets are among the foods with the highest levels of microplastic contamination. Even tea bags, many of which are made of plastic, can release a significant amount of microplastics and nanoplastics into the water.

The presence of environmentally derived microplastics and nanoplastics in food does not violate FDA regulations unless it creates a health concern. While the health risks of ingesting microplastics are still being studied, some research suggests that microplastics can damage human cells, decrease reproductive health, and disrupt the endocrine system. They can also act as a vessel for harmful substances to enter the body, as they can absorb chemicals linked to cancers and weakened immune systems.

To reduce your exposure to microplastics, you can take some measures such as wearing clothing made from natural fabrics, buying consumer products made from natural materials, and avoiding microwaving food in plastic containers. It is also recommended to eat as much fresh food as possible and limit the purchase of processed and ultra-processed foods wrapped in plastic.

Plastic is in the air we breathe

Research has shown that humans are breathing in microplastics in much larger quantities than previously thought. A study found that people inhale or ingest an average of 74,000 to 121,000 microplastic particles per year through breathing, eating, and drinking. Another study estimated that the average person eats at least 50,000 particles of microplastic a year and breathes in a similar quantity. These estimates are conservative, as not all foods and drinks have been analysed for plastic contamination.

The health impacts of inhaling microplastics are not yet fully understood, but scientists are concerned about the potential risks. Microplastics in the air can cause irritation and inflammation in the lungs and may be linked to growing rates of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. They can also carry toxic chemicals and contaminants, such as PCBs, pesticides, flame retardants, and hormone-disrupting compounds, which can be released into the body.

The production and use of plastics are the undeniable cause of this issue. With plastic pollution invading every corner of the planet, from the oceans to the soil and air, it is impossible to avoid exposure to microplastics. More robust scientific evidence is needed to fully understand the risks and impacts of human exposure to microplastics and the chemicals they contain.

Plastic is found in human organs

Plastic is everywhere. It is in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It is, therefore, no surprise that microplastics have been found in human organs.

Research has shown that microplastics have made their way into the human digestive system and have been detected in human fecal samples from around the world. In addition, microplastics have been found in human lung, liver, spleen, kidney, heart, testicles, and brain tissue.

A study presented at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting found evidence of chemicals from plastics inside human organs and developed a new method for detecting microplastics in human tissue. The researchers tested 47 tissue samples from 24 individuals and found a chemical used to make some plastics, Bisphenol A (BPA), in every sample.

The health effects of microplastics on humans are still unknown, but experts are concerned. Varun Kelkar, a graduate student at ASU, said, "We never want to be alarmist, but it is concerning that these non-biodegradable materials that are present everywhere can enter and accumulate in human tissues, and we don’t know the possible health effects."

To reduce exposure to microplastics, it is recommended to wear clothing made from natural fabrics, buy consumer products made from natural materials, avoid microwaving food in plastic, and eat as much fresh food as possible while limiting the purchase of processed and ultra-processed foods wrapped in plastic.

Plastic can be ingested through dust

Research has found plastic particles in human lung, liver, spleen, and kidney tissue. A study on pregnant rats revealed that plastic nanoparticles inhaled by mothers were transferred to the fetus and placenta within 24 hours. While the health implications are still being studied, experts believe that this level of plastic exposure is not beneficial for human health.

The problem is not limited to indoor dust. Plastic particles are so pervasive that they are present in snow in the Arctic and dust in remote deserts. These microplastics and nanoplastics are carried by the wind and can be inhaled, potentially causing harm to humans and other living organisms.

To reduce exposure to plastic ingestion through dust, it is recommended to maintain a clean house, especially targeting areas where dust and fluff accumulate, such as under sofas and cushions. Vacuuming regularly can help remove plastic fibres from the indoor environment. Additionally, it is suggested to wear clothing made from natural fabrics and to purchase consumer products made from natural materials whenever possible.

The average person may eat 5 grams of plastic a week

Plastic is everywhere. From the oceans to the food we eat, it has pervaded every ecosystem on Earth. Plastics are designed to be light and pliable, but this often comes at the cost of durability. A single-use water bottle, for example, will break down into smaller and smaller fragments (microplastics) but will likely never fully decompose. This means that plastic waste is building up in our environment and showing up in our bodies.

Research has found microplastics in human lung, liver, spleen, kidney tissue, and even poop. Studies have also found plastic in our organs, blood, and semen. Some scientists estimate that the average person may eat up to 5 grams of microplastics in a week, which is about the weight of a credit card. This estimate may be conservative, as nano-sized plastic particles are harder to identify and quantify and are, therefore, often unaccounted for.

Microplastics can come from a variety of food sources. One of the largest dietary sources is drinking water, with studies finding plastic particles in 83%-93% of tap and bottled water samples. Tea, a popular beverage worldwide, can also contain microplastics, with a single plastic teabag releasing billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles into the water. Rice is another culprit, with 3-4 milligrams of plastic consumed for every 100 grams of rice, jumping to 13 milligrams for instant rice.

To reduce your exposure to microplastics, you can follow a few simple tips. Firstly, try to buy consumer products made from natural materials. Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers, and opt for heating food on the stove or in glass containers instead. Eating fresh, unprocessed foods and reducing your consumption of ultra-processed foods wrapped in plastic can also help lower your exposure to microplastics.

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