Maya Ellison
Plastic is everywhere—in the air, water, and food we eat. It is likely that there is plastic in your stomach, as microplastics are commonly found in seafood, bottled water, salt, honey, beer, and other food and drink products. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that measure up to 5mm in length, about the size of a sesame seed, and are the product of larger plastic items breaking down due to environmental factors. While small amounts of plastic will pass through your system within a day, constant plastic ingestion can lead to long-term side effects, as chemicals in plastic can be transferred to your body and cause health issues such as asthma, cancer, and infertility.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occurrence of plastic in stomach | Common occurrence, especially with plastic packaging |
| Health effects | Potential long-term side effects, including asthma, cancer, miscarriage, male infertility, premature breast development, and abnormal male sexual development |
| Microplastics | Tiny pieces of plastic, smaller than a sesame seed, found in food, water, and the environment |
| Microplastics sources | Seawater, shellfish, salt, honey, beer, bottled water |
| Passing through the body | Small pieces of plastic will leave the body within a day |
| Blockage risk | Larger pieces of plastic may cause blockage or cut internal organs |
| Ecological impact | Affects marine life, including turtles, impairing digestive processes and leading to false feelings of fullness |
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What You'll Learn
Microplastics in food and drink
Microplastics are extremely small pieces of plastic debris that can measure up to 5mm in length, which is about the size of a sesame seed. However, most microplastics are smaller, reaching less than 1 micrometer (0.001mm) in size. They are commonly found in seawater due to littering and industrial waste, so microplastic contamination is often found in seafood, especially shellfish like mussels and oysters. Microplastics are also present in other food and drinks, including sea salt, honey, beer, bottled water, milk, tea, and sugar.
Microplastics can enter the food supply in several ways. They may originate from environmental contamination, such as plastic pollution in the soil or water where foods are grown or raised. Additionally, microplastics can come from food packaging and processing. Recent studies have found that the number of microplastics increases with each bottle opening, indicating that normal use of food packaged in plastics can lead to microplastic release. Ultra-processed foods have been found to contain significantly more microplastics than minimally processed foods due to increased contact with plastic food processing equipment and packaging.
The presence of microplastics in food and drink is a growing concern for human health. While the exact health effects are not yet fully understood, some studies suggest potential risks. For example, a 2024 study found that people with microplastics or nanoplastics in their carotid artery tissues were twice as likely to experience a heart attack, stroke, or premature death within three years compared to those without. Additionally, certain chemicals in plastics, such as phthalates, can be transferred to food and have been linked to health issues like premature births, asthma, cancer, and infertility.
While the health risks of ingesting microplastics are not yet fully clear, it is generally recommended to limit exposure and intake of microplastics. Individuals can take steps to reduce their consumption of contaminated food and beverages by choosing minimally processed foods and being mindful of the potential sources of microplastic contamination in their diet.
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Chemicals in plastic and their health effects
While swallowing a small piece of plastic is unlikely to cause immediate harm, it is important to understand the potential long-term health effects of ingesting plastic and the chemicals they contain.
Plastics contain a range of added chemicals that improve their performance. Some of these chemicals are useful and safe, while others are of significant concern. Chemicals of concern are released from plastics during their entire life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to their use and disposal. These chemicals can find their way into the air, water, and soil, eventually entering the food chain. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items, are commonly found in seafood, especially shellfish, as well as in other foods and beverages like sea salt, honey, and beer.
One of the most commonly used chemicals in plastics is phthalates, which make plastics soft and bendable. Phthalates are not chemically bound to plastic, allowing them to transfer easily to other substances. Ingesting phthalates has been linked to various health issues, including premature births, asthma, cancer, miscarriage, male infertility, premature breast development, and abnormal male sexual development.
The presence of microplastics in the environment and food chain has raised concerns about their potential impact on human health. While few studies have been conducted on humans, microplastics' ability to absorb and release different chemical compounds is worrying. It is speculated that most microplastics ingested are small enough to pass through the digestive tract without causing harm. However, the long-term effects of microplastic consumption are still unclear, and it is recommended to limit exposure by reducing the consumption of foods and beverages commonly contaminated with microplastics.
Additionally, chemicals in plastic can have adverse effects during fetal development and in children, leading to neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral disorders. Recent research also highlights the detrimental impact on male fertility due to exposure to hazardous chemicals associated with plastics.
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How plastic leaves the body
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that come from the breakdown of larger plastic items or are sometimes intentionally produced for commercial use. They have been detected in the environment, in human food sources, and in the human body.
While there is extensive research on the toxins found in plastics, the specific impact of microplastics on human health is not yet fully understood. There is evidence to suggest that microplastics can be harmful to human health, but the extent of the harm is still unknown.
The human body tries to expel foreign particles that are inhaled. Large particles in the airways are typically coughed out, while mucus forms around particles in the respiratory tract, creating a "mucus elevator" that helps propel them out of the body.
Microplastics have been detected in human feces, suggesting that they can also be excreted through the digestive system. A small study of six infants and ten adults found that infants had more microplastic particles in their feces than adults. This may be due to the use of plastic feeding bottles and teething toys, as well as exposure to microplastics in breast milk.
While there is currently no scientific way to completely remove microplastics from the body, individuals can take steps to limit their exposure and prioritize a healthy lifestyle. This includes using natural cleaning products, glass or steel water bottles, and reducing the consumption of red meat and plastic-packaged food.
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Sources of plastic ingestion
Plastic ingestion is a growing concern for humans and wildlife alike. The sources of plastic ingestion are varied and widespread, infiltrating almost every aspect of modern life.
One of the most common sources of plastic ingestion is through the food and water we consume. Microplastics have been found in drinking water worldwide, with bottled water containing almost double the amount of microplastics compared to tap water. They are also present in our food, with plastic particles discovered in fruit and vegetables, seafood, and even beer and sea salt. The use of sewage sludge as fertiliser has been identified as a contributing factor, as microplastics can eventually wash into waterways and agricultural land, contaminating our food sources.
Plastic packaging and consumer products are also significant sources of plastic ingestion. Plastic can leach out of storage containers, line soup cans, and be found in household items like toys, electronics, shampoo, and cosmetics. Heating food in plastic containers or using the dishwasher can cause plastic chemicals to leach into food. Additionally, the recycling codes "3," "6," and "7" indicate the presence of harmful chemicals like phthalates, styrene, and bisphenols.
The impact of plastic ingestion on human health is still being researched, but initial findings suggest potential links to cell damage, inflammation, allergic reactions, and various health issues, including cancer, heart disease, infertility, and poor foetal development.
The plastic crisis extends beyond ingestion, as plastic pollution also affects wildlife through entanglement and habitat destruction. Furthermore, the production, manufacturing, use, recycling, and disposal of plastic contribute to environmental degradation and the release of toxic chemicals. Addressing this global issue requires a comprehensive lifecycle approach to reduce plastic production, use, and disposal, as well as improved waste management practices.
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Blockages caused by plastic
While it is unlikely that a small piece of plastic accidentally ingested will cause harm, constantly eating plastic or food packaged in plastic can have long-term side effects. Microplastics, which are extremely small pieces of plastic debris, are commonly found in food and drinks such as seafood, sea salt, honey, and beer. These microplastics can also enter our bodies through the air we breathe. While the effects of microplastics on human health are still unclear, it is recommended to limit the consumption of food and beverages where microplastics are commonly found.
Ingesting larger pieces of plastic can pose a risk of blockage in the digestive tract. This risk is higher with hard plastics, as there is a chance they could cut something along the way. Eating a larger amount of plastic or consuming more food before the original piece has passed through the stomach can also increase the risk of blockage. If you suspect that you or someone you know has ingested a large piece of plastic, it is important to seek medical advice promptly.
In addition to the risk of blockage, ingesting plastic can also lead to other health complications. Prolonged exposure to stomach acid can cause some types of plastic to break down and release potentially harmful chemicals. This can result in gastrointestinal injuries and toxicity. The most commonly used chemical in plastic is phthalates, which can easily be transferred to other things. Ingesting phthalates has been linked to various health issues, including premature births, asthma, cancer, miscarriage, and male infertility.
While the focus here is on human health, it is worth noting that plastic ingestion is also a significant concern for pets and other animals. Birds, for example, are vulnerable to the negative effects of environmental pollution, and plastic ingestion has been linked to physical impairment, intestinal blockages, and growth impediments in various bird species.
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Frequently asked questions
It is possible that there is plastic in your stomach, as plastic is present in many foods and drinks, such as seafood, honey, beer, and bottled water. Microplastics, or tiny pieces of plastic smaller than a sesame seed, are commonly found in these consumables.
Microplastics are the product of larger plastic items breaking down due to heat, oxidation, light, and microorganisms. These larger plastic items are often discarded household rubbish, industrial waste, or litter in rivers. As a result, microplastics are present in the environment and can contaminate food and water sources, eventually entering our bodies when we consume them.
If you accidentally eat a small piece of plastic, it will likely pass through your system without causing harm. Your body works to rid itself of contaminants, so the plastic should leave your body within a day or so. However, constantly eating plastic can lead to long-term side effects.
The chemicals in plastic, such as phthalates, can be transferred to your body and lead to potential health issues. These chemicals have been linked to asthma, cancer, miscarriage, male infertility, and abnormal sexual development.
To avoid ingesting plastic, it is recommended to reduce your use of plastic products and practice recycling. Additionally, limit your consumption of food and beverages where microplastics are commonly found, such as seafood, bottled water, and food packaged in plastic.
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