Chloe Zhang
Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing issue, with more than 800 animal species contaminated by plastic, an increase of 70% since the 1970s. As a result, it is no surprise that sea salt, which is produced through the evaporation of seawater, often contains microplastics. Recent studies have found that over 90% of salt brands worldwide contain microplastics, with sea salt having the highest level of contamination compared to lake salt and rock salt. These microplastics can be ingested by consumers, potentially causing long-term health issues. While heat treatment can reduce the presence of microplastics in sea salt, it also removes some of its natural minerals. Therefore, consumers concerned about microplastic ingestion may opt for high-quality sea salts, such as Himalayan sea salt, or reduce their plastic waste and use filtered water.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of sea salt brands containing microplastics | 90% |
| Highest levels of microplastics found in | Sea salt |
| Lowest levels of microplastics found in | Refined sea salt from Taiwan, refined rock salt from China, and unrefined sea salt produced by solar evaporation in France |
| Microplastics particle size | Less than 5mm |
| Plastic polymers found in salt samples | Polypropylene (40%), Polyethylene (33.3%), Polyisoprene/Polystyrene |
| Other contaminants in salt | Carbon, heavy metals, other salts, pigments, amorphous carbon |
| Health risks associated with microplastics | Carry hazardous chemicals and microorganisms |
| Ways to reduce microplastic exposure | Use filtered water, limit plastic use, heat-treat sea salt |
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What You'll Learn
Sea salt is contaminated by plastic
The Greenpeace study analysed 39 salt brands from 21 countries and found that sea salt had the highest level of plastic contamination, followed by lake salt and then rock salt. Only three sources of salt in the study did not include any microplastics: refined sea salt from Taiwan, refined rock salt from China, and unrefined sea salt produced by solar evaporation in France.
The presence of microplastics in salt is a health concern as they have been shown to carry hazardous chemicals and microorganisms. Microplastics smaller than 150 microns can migrate through the gut wall and enter the blood cells and organs, potentially causing serious long-term damage.
To limit exposure to microplastics, preventative measures are needed to control the environmental discharge of mismanaged plastics and reduce plastic waste. Recycling and cutting back on plastic use can help keep plastic debris out of the ocean, reducing the amount of microplastics in salt, water, and the food chain.
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Microplastics are found in 90% of salt brands
A study published in the peer-reviewed Environmental Science & Technology scientific journal has found that microplastics are present in 90% of salt brands sold across the world. The study analysed 39 salt brands from 21 countries, including the US and China, and found that sea salt had the highest levels of plastic contamination, followed by lake salt and rock salt.
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic smaller than 5 millimetres that are formed when larger plastic items, such as plastic cups, break down. They can be introduced into the environment through synthetic sandblasting media, cosmetic formulations, textiles, and the improper disposal of plastic waste. The widespread distribution of microplastics in aquatic bodies has been well documented, with plastic debris from 7000 to 35,000 metric tonnes found in a global oceanic survey.
The study found that the most common plastic polymers in the salt samples were polypropylene (40%) and polyethylene (33.3%), which is consistent with reports of their wide distribution in the marine environment. These polymers are used in a variety of products, including car handles, seat belt components, and textiles. The low density of these polymers allows them to float on water surfaces and be directed into salt pans, as well as facilitating their spread by becoming airborne.
The consumption of contaminated salt could lead to the ingestion of microplastics, which may carry hazardous chemicals and microorganisms. To reduce exposure to microplastics, preventative measures such as controlling the environmental discharge of mismanaged plastics and reducing plastic waste are necessary. Additionally, individuals can minimise their microplastic exposure by using high-quality sea salts, drinking filtered water, and limiting their plastic use.
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Plastic in salt can be ingested by consumers
Plastic in salt is a growing concern for consumers, as studies have found that a significant percentage of salt brands contain microplastics. These tiny plastic particles, smaller than 5mm, can be ingested by humans and have the potential to cause health issues. While the exact percentage of plastic in sea salt may vary, multiple sources indicate that over 90% of sea salt brands worldwide are contaminated with microplastics. This is a concerning issue as it directly impacts the food we consume and our health.
Sea salt, in particular, has been found to have the highest level of plastic contamination compared to other types of salt. This is because sea salt is produced through the evaporation of seawater, which is often contaminated with plastic pollution. A study published in the peer-reviewed journal "Environmental Science & Technology" analyzed 39 salt brands from 21 countries and found that only three sources of salt were free of microplastics. The study highlights that the plastic crisis is pervasive and continues to leak into our waterways and oceans, eventually making its way into our food supply.
The presence of microplastics in salt is a global issue, affecting salt brands from various countries. Studies have extracted microplastic particles from salt samples originating from different regions, finding a range of plastic polymers such as polypropylene and polyethylene. These polymers are consistent with those widely distributed in marine environments, indicating that the salt contamination likely originates from plastic pollution in the oceans. The widespread distribution of microplastics in aquatic bodies has been well documented, including in the Celtic Sea, the Laurentian Great Lakes, and the Persian Gulf.
The consumption of contaminated salt can lead to the ingestion of microplastics, which may carry hazardous chemicals and microorganisms. While the health risks associated with microplastic ingestion are not yet fully understood, it is a cause for concern. It is important to note that sodium is an essential element for the human body, and reducing salt intake is not necessarily a healthy option. However, consumers can take steps to minimize their exposure to microplastics by choosing high-quality sea salts, such as Himalayan sea salt or Redmond sea salt, which are sourced from ancient, unpolluted seabeds and are less likely to contain microplastics. Additionally, heat-treated sea salt can also reduce exposure.
To address the issue of plastic in salt and protect consumer health, preventative measures are necessary. This includes controlling the environmental discharge of mismanaged plastics and reducing plastic waste. By improving waste management practices and reducing the use of single-use plastics, we can help limit the amount of plastic pollution that ends up in our oceans and, subsequently, our salt. It is crucial to address this issue at its source to ensure the safety and well-being of consumers worldwide.
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Plastic enters salt during processing, packaging, transportation
Plastic has been found in sea salt across the world, including in the UK, France, Spain, China, and the US. Sea salt is produced by evaporating seawater, and it is believed that the contamination occurs due to the presence of plastic in the oceans. Up to 12.7 million tons of plastic enter the world's oceans annually, and plastic fibres have been detected in tap water globally. This has led to the contamination of seafood and other marine life, which can then be ingested by humans.
The specific processes through which plastic enters salt during its processing, packaging, and transportation include the use of plastic packaging materials and atmospheric deposition. Polyethylene MPs from packaging can break down and contaminate the salt, while airborne MPs can be deposited during the processing and packaging stages.
A study of 39 salt brands from 21 countries found that more than 90% of salts sold globally contain microplastics, with sea salt having the highest levels, followed by lake salt and rock salt. Another study of 12 different kinds of salt, including 10 sea salts, revealed that Americans could be ingesting upwards of 660 plastic particles each year if they follow health recommendations for salt intake. However, the actual ingestion rate may be higher, as many Americans consume more salt than advised.
The health effects of ingesting microplastics are not yet fully understood, but researchers believe that human ingestion is strongly related to plastic emissions in a given region. Preventative measures, such as controlling the environmental discharge of mismanaged plastics and reducing plastic waste, are crucial to limit exposure.
To reduce the risk of plastic contamination in salt, consumers can seek out high-quality products packaged in non-plastic materials, such as food-grade silicon bags. Additionally, choosing salt sourced from areas with lower plastic contamination, such as ancient salt deposits in Utah, can help mitigate exposure.
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Plastic in salt is a health concern
Plastic in salt is a growing concern for human health. Recent studies have found that a significant proportion of salt brands across the world contain microplastics, with over 90% of sea salt brands being affected. Sea salt, produced through the evaporation of seawater, has the highest levels of plastic contamination. This is due to the widespread distribution of microplastics in aquatic environments, which can come from sources such as wastewater treatment plants, synthetic sandblasting media, cosmetic formulations, and textiles.
The presence of microplastics in salt is a health concern as it can lead to human ingestion of these particles. While the health risks associated with consuming microplastics are not yet fully understood, it is known that microplastics can carry hazardous chemicals and microorganisms. In addition, small particles (smaller than 150 microns) can migrate through the gut wall and enter the bloodstream, potentially causing long-term damage to the body.
The problem of plastic in salt is not limited to sea salt. Lake salt and rock salt have also been found to contain microplastics, although at lower levels than sea salt. The contamination of these salts may occur during the mining or refinement process or through exposure to plastic during processing, packaging, transportation, or after the product is purchased.
To reduce exposure to microplastics in salt, some recommend switching to high-quality sea salts, such as Himalayan sea salt or Redmond sea salt, which come from ancient, unpolluted seabeds and are less likely to be contaminated. Heat-treated sea salt is another option, as the heat processing can remove some of the microplastics, although it may also remove some of the natural minerals from the salt. In addition, drinking filtered water and limiting plastic use can help to minimize microplastic exposure.
While the health risks of consuming microplastics in salt are not yet fully understood, the widespread presence of these particles in salt is concerning. Further research and development in extraction protocols are needed to better understand the health risks and to isolate anthropogenic particles in salt. In the meantime, preventative measures such as controlling the environmental discharge of mismanaged plastics and reducing plastic waste are important to limit human exposure to microplastics.
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Frequently asked questions
According to a study, over 90% of sea salt brands worldwide contain microplastics.
The average salt intake of an American is 3.4g/day. This would translate to ingesting about 2/3 of a gram of plastic per day.
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic smaller than 5mm that are formed when bigger plastic items break down.
Mismanaged plastic waste finds its way into oceans. Plastic then breaks down into microplastics through forces such as waves, weather, and sunlight. These microplastics are then consumed by fish and other marine animals, which can end up in sea salt.
To reduce your microplastic consumption, you can recycle, drink filtered water, and limit your plastic use. You can also switch to high-quality sea salts, such as Himalayan sea salt or Redmond sea salt, which are less likely to be contaminated with microplastics.
