Alexei Volkov
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that threatens the environment and human health. Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic smaller than 5mm, have been found in oceans, soil, and the air we breathe. Humans ingest microplastics through various sources, including seafood, drinking water, and even the food we eat. While the exact health impacts are still being researched, microplastics have been linked to diseases, disabilities, and potential toxic effects. With an estimated average consumption of 5 grams of plastic per week, it is important to address this global issue and reduce plastic exposure through individual actions and large-scale solutions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average amount ingested per week | 5 grams (equivalent to a credit card) |
| Average amount ingested per day | 900 particles |
| Average amount ingested per year | 74,000 particles |
| Average amount ingested from salt per year | 2,000 particles |
| Average amount ingested from seafood per year | 53,864 particles |
| Average amount ingested from beer | 28 particles per litre |
| Average amount ingested from tap water per year | 4,000 particles |
| Average amount ingested from bottled water per year | 90,000 particles |
| Health effects | Cancer, endocrine disruption, weight gain, insulin resistance, decreased reproductive health, immune system issues, growth and cognitive impairment |
| Exposure routes | Ingestion, inhalation, dermal exposure |
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What You'll Learn
Microplastics in seafood
A recent study found microplastic contamination in 99% of seafood samples, with the highest levels detected in shrimp. The study also found that rinsing seafood could reduce microplastic levels. Microplastics have also been detected in water samples worldwide, and it is estimated that the average adult consumes approximately 2,000 microplastics per year through salt alone.
The presence of microplastics in seafood is a health concern due to the potential for toxic chemical additives and pollutants to be released into the human body. These chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), and phthalates, have been linked to endocrine disruption, weight gain, insulin resistance, reproductive issues, and cancer. While the health impacts of microplastics are still an emerging area of research, existing studies indicate that plastic can cause diseases, disabilities, and premature death at various stages of its lifecycle.
The sources of microplastic pollution in seafood are twofold. Firstly, plastic waste in the oceans can release chemicals such as BPA, which are then ingested by marine organisms. Secondly, the use of BPA in the lining of food cans, particularly for canned seafood, contributes to contamination. Studies have found varying levels of BPA in both canned and fresh seafood, with some fresh mollusks, clams, flounder, and cod exhibiting higher levels than their canned counterparts.
The issue of microplastics in seafood highlights the need for a transition to a more sustainable economy and a reduction in plastic use. While individual actions, such as reducing plastic waste and washing clothes less frequently, can help, the solution ultimately lies in policy changes and the implementation of measures to reduce plastic pollution.
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Microplastics in drinking water
Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic smaller than 5mm in size. They are found in every ecosystem on Earth and consist of microbeads, microfibers, and broken-down pieces of plastic. The presence of microplastics has been reported in air samples, food, and drinking water.
Drinking water, especially bottled water, is a significant source of microplastics in our diet. Microplastics have been detected in tap water, groundwater, lake water, river water, and bottled drinking water. A study found that water in reusable and recycled plastic bottles had higher levels of microplastics than single-use plastic bottles. However, it is important to note that the quality of studies on microplastics in drinking water has been questioned, and there is a need for improved quality assurance in sampling and analysis.
The health effects of ingesting microplastics are still not fully understood. While some studies suggest that microplastics may accumulate and cause particle toxicity, the impact is likely to be dose-dependent, and more data on exposure levels is required. Nonetheless, plastic additives and pollutants are known to have toxic effects, causing diseases, disabilities, and premature deaths. These chemicals leaching from plastic products can lead to serious health issues such as endocrine disruption, weight gain, insulin resistance, and reproductive problems.
The presence of microplastics in drinking water has raised concerns among public health agencies worldwide. While the exact exposure levels through drinking water are yet to be determined, the ubiquity of microplastics in various water sources highlights the need for further research and measures to mitigate exposure. The issue of plastic pollution is not new, but public awareness and scientific attention have increased in recent years, recognizing the threat it poses to the environment and human health.
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Microplastics in salt
Plastic ingestion by humans is estimated at around 0.1–5 g/week, or the equivalent of a credit card per week. The main route of microplastics exposure for humans is ingestion, followed by inhalation and dermal exposure.
Microplastics have been found in salt, with one study estimating that the average adult consumes approximately 2,000 microplastics per year through salt. Sea salt, in particular, has been found to be contaminated with microplastics, with over 90% of sea salt brands worldwide containing microplastic particles.
The presence of microplastics in commercial salts from different countries was the subject of a study published in 2017. The study found that microplastics were absent in one brand, while others contained between 1 to 10 microplastics/kg of salt. The most common plastic polymers were polypropylene (40.0%) and polyethylene (33.3%). Fragments were the primary form of microplastics (63.8%), followed by filaments (25.6%) and films (10.6%).
Another study, published in 2023, found a significant presence of microplastics in sea salts collected from three Italian salterns: 1653 ± 29 microplastics/kg of sea salt. The most frequent size of microplastics was between 0 and 500 µm. Polypropylene, polyamide, and polyethylene were the most frequently identified polymers.
While the health impacts of microplastics ingestion are still a relatively new area of research, scientific results to date indicate that plastic causes diseases, disabilities, and premature death at every stage of its life cycle. The toxic chemical additives and pollutants found in plastics have been linked to serious health issues such as endocrine disruption, weight gain, insulin resistance, and decreased reproductive health.
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Microplastics in beer
Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic less than 5 millimetres in size, which have infiltrated our oceans, soil, and even the air we breathe. Humans are exposed to microplastics through inhalation, ingestion, and direct skin contact.
Beer has been found to contain microplastics, with a 2022 study reporting that a pint of beer can contain up to 50,000 microplastic particles, with around 90% of them being fragments of polystyrene or polypropylene. These particles are invisible to the naked eye but can have potential health impacts. The study also found that it's not just plastic particles that get into beer, but also compounds that make plastic soft (called plasticizers), which can leach out of plastic tubing during the beer-making process. These plasticizers can mimic hormones and may contribute to emerging global infertility.
The presence of microplastics in beer is influenced by various factors, including the raw materials, atmosphere, and tools and containers used in the brewing process. Beer is composed mainly of water and wheat (or other grains), and these components have been found to have relatively high concentrations of microplastics. Additionally, the type of container can also affect the amount of microplastics in beer, with canned beer potentially having higher levels due to the plastic lining inside aluminum cans.
While the health effects of ingesting microplastics through beer are still being researched, it is important to note that microplastics have been linked to serious health issues. Some possible health impacts of plastic exposure include endocrine disruption, weight gain, insulin resistance, and decreased reproductive health. Additionally, a recent study found that microplastics can cause dementia symptoms in mice by crossing the blood-brain barrier.
To mitigate the potential risks associated with microplastics in beer, some consumers choose to refrain from canned beer and opt for glass bottles instead. However, it is important to note that microplastics are prevalent in various other foods and beverages, and the impact of their ingestion on human health is still being studied.
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Microplastics in food packaging
The factors influencing the release of microplastics from packaging into food include high temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, and bacteria. The consumption of microplastics has been linked to inflammatory, immune, and metabolic disorders in various organisms, indicating a potential risk to human health. The exact health effects of microplastic consumption on humans are still not fully understood, but it is known that microplastics can accumulate in the human body and that their presence in food products is a global threat to both environmental and human health.
To address the issue of microplastics in food packaging, there is a growing emphasis on the development of new packaging materials that prioritize environmental sustainability, food safety, and quality. Biodegradable polymers and edible bioplastic packaging are suggested as promising alternatives to non-biodegradable food packaging, offering viable solutions for eco-friendly and safe packaging. Additionally, public awareness and improved waste management practices can help reduce the migration of microplastics into food products.
While there is ongoing research and debate about the exact amount of microplastics humans ingest, it is estimated that an average adult consumes approximately 5 grams of plastic per week, which is equivalent to a credit card's worth of plastic. This ingestion can occur through various sources, including contaminated seafood, drinking water (both tap and bottled), salt, honey, sugar, and beer. The microplastics work their way into our food and drinks, leading to potential health hazards that need to be addressed through sustainable alternatives and improved regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic smaller than 5mm in size. They are found in the ocean, soil, and air.
People ingest microplastics through seafood, salt, sugar, honey, beer, drinking water, and the plastic packaging on food.
It is estimated that people ingest approximately 5 grams of plastic every week, which is equivalent to a credit card. Another study suggests adults ingest about 900 particles per day.
The health effects of ingesting microplastics are still being researched. However, it is known that microplastics can contain toxic chemicals and pollutants that can cause diseases, disability, and premature death. They have also been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, weight gain, insulin resistance, and decreased reproductive health.
