Omar Khalid
It is no secret that plastic pollution is a pressing global issue. From the oceans to the atmosphere, plastic waste has infiltrated almost every corner of the planet. Recent studies have revealed an alarming fact: microplastics, those minuscule plastic particles, are present in the salt we consume. This raises concerns about the potential health risks to humans, as well as the environmental implications of this hidden plastic pollution. With salt being a dietary staple, it is essential to understand the extent of microplastic contamination and explore ways to mitigate our exposure to these tiny plastic invaders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of salt brands containing microplastics | 90% or more |
| Salt types with the highest levels of microplastics | Sea salt, followed by lake salt, then rock salt |
| Salt types with the lowest levels of microplastics | Refined sea salt, refined rock salt, and unrefined sea salt |
| Countries with the highest levels of microplastics in salt | Asian countries, the Pacific, and Celtic |
| Common sources of microplastics in salt | Toys, makeup, shopping bags, water bottles, plastic bags, fishing nets, milk jugs, drinking straws, plastic utensils, wet wipes, cotton buds, sanitary products, and microfibers from clothing |
| Health risks associated with ingesting microplastics | Potential impact on the immune system, cell health, and accumulation in tissues |
| Recommended salt brands with low microplastics | Redmond's Real Salt (from Utah), Jacobson Salt Co. (from the Oregon Coast), Himalayan Rock Salt (from Pakistan) |
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What You'll Learn
Sea salt is the most contaminated with microplastics
Sea salt is produced by evaporating seawater, and the plastic contamination in it is a result of plastic pollution in the oceans. Trash such as milk jugs, drinking straws, and plastic utensils ends up in oceans and breaks down into microplastics due to forces like waves, weather, and sunlight. This has led to more than 800 animal species being contaminated with plastic, an increase of almost 70% since the 1970s.
The presence of microplastics in sea salt is a reminder of the pervasiveness of plastic pollution and the need to address this issue. While the effects of microplastics on humans are still unclear, they can enter the human body through ingestion and accumulate in various tissues. They can also move into the lymphatic and circulatory systems, impacting the immune system and cell health.
To reduce exposure to microplastics in salt, it is recommended to choose unrefined, high-quality salts from clean sources. Redmond's Real Salt, sourced from an ancient salt deposit in Utah, is recommended as it has not been exposed to the ocean. Additionally, Jacobson Salt Co., sourced from the Oregon Coast, claims to filter out microplastics with 0.5-5-micron filters.
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Microplastics are tiny plastic particles under 5mm in size
Microplastics have been detected in over 90% of salt brands sold across the world, with the highest levels found in sea salt. This means that consumers may be ingesting about 2,000 bits of microplastics each year through salt. The presence of microplastics in salt is a reminder of the pervasive nature of plastic pollution and the need to address this problem.
The sources of microplastics in salt can vary. In some cases, microplastics may be introduced during the processing, packaging, transportation, or after the purchase of salt. However, it is important to note that microplastics have also been found in refined salt, which is made from dialysis-purified brine, indicating that the contamination may occur after the refinement process.
The health risks of ingesting microplastics are not yet fully understood. While the effects of microplastics on marine species have been studied, there is limited research on the impact of microplastic ingestion on human health. However, some sources suggest that microplastics can move into the lymphatic and circulatory systems, impacting the immune system and cell health.
To reduce exposure to microplastics in salt, consumers can choose unrefined, high-quality salts from clean sources. Some recommended salt brands that are purported to have lower levels of microplastics include Redmond's Real Salt, sourced from an ancient salt deposit in Utah, and Jacobson Salt Co., sourced from the Oregon Coast.
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Microplastics are harmful to human health
Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5mm in size. They are ubiquitous in the global environment and have been detected in the water we drink, the food we eat, and even the air we breathe. This means that humans are exposed to microplastics through oral intake, inhalation, and skin contact.
The health hazards of microplastics are a growing concern. While the exact harm of microplastics to the human body is still unclear, studies have detected microplastics in human blood, urine, breast milk, semen, and meconium (a newborn's first stool). They have also been found in multiple organs and tissues, including the brain, heart, stomach, lymph nodes, and placenta.
Several reports suggest a link between microplastics and various chronic diseases. For example, studies have found higher concentrations of microplastics in the fecal samples of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients compared to healthy individuals. Microplastics have also been detected in cirrhotic liver tissues and human aortic dissection thrombus samples, indicating a potential association with chronic health issues.
Additionally, due to their large surface area, microplastics tend to adsorb other pollutants, especially heavy metals and hydrophobic organic chemicals. The combined toxicity of microplastics and these adsorbed pollutants may pose synergistic harmful effects, but further research is needed to confirm this.
The irregular shapes of microplastics, including sharp particles, can cause physical toxicity by directly stimulating the human body. Furthermore, the chemicals used in synthesizing plastic polymers are often endocrine disruptors, which are known to cause various cancers and reproductive system disorders.
While the full extent of the harm caused by microplastics is yet to be determined, their pervasive presence in the environment and the human body warrants concern and further in-depth research.
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Rock salt and refined salt also contain microplastics
It is a widely known fact that the oceans are heavily polluted with plastic. As a result, sea salt is contaminated with microplastics. However, rock salt and refined salt are not exempt from this issue.
Rock salt, also known as halite, is formed from the evaporation of seawater over millions of years. While it is mined from underground salt deposits, it can still become contaminated with microplastics during the mining, processing, packaging, transportation, or even after purchase. This is due to the pervasive nature of plastic pollution, which has led to the presence of microplastics in the air, water, and soil.
One study found that rock salt from China was one of the few sources of salt that did not contain microplastics. However, another study found that a brand of rock salt had some of the highest levels of microplastics. This discrepancy may be due to variations in processing and packaging methods, emphasizing the importance of choosing high-quality products packaged with non-plastic materials.
Refined salt, also known as table salt, is created through the purification of brine. Despite being a processed form of salt, it is not immune to microplastic contamination. A study found microplastics in refined salt, indicating that the plastics were likely introduced during processing, packaging, transportation, or after purchase.
The presence of microplastics in rock salt and refined salt underscores the extent of plastic pollution and its ability to infiltrate various aspects of our lives. While the specific health risks associated with ingesting microplastics are still being studied, the potential impacts on both human and animal health are cause for concern.
To mitigate exposure to microplastics in salt, consumers can opt for unrefined, high-quality salts from clean sources. Additionally, reducing plastic waste and controlling the environmental discharge of mismanaged plastics are crucial steps in addressing this global issue.
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Sources of purer, less contaminated salt
A study by Greenpeace found that over 90% of salt brands worldwide contain microplastic particles. Sea salt, which is produced by the evaporation of seawater, had the highest level of plastic contamination, followed by lake salt and rock salt mined from underground deposits.
However, the study did find three sources of salt that 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.
To ensure that your salt is free of microplastics, it is recommended to purchase salt from a pure and protected environment, such as Lake Deborah, which is independently tested as free of man-made pollutants, microplastics, and heavy metals.
In addition to microplastics, heavy metal contamination in salt can also vary by source. For example, Morton iodized salt is generally considered safe and has not been flagged for unsafe levels of heavy metals. Himalayan Pink Salt is also recognized for its high mineral content and therapeutic properties, providing essential minerals and trace elements while also balancing electrolytes and supporting proper nutrient absorption.
When purchasing sea salt, it is important to ensure that it comes from an un-contaminated source and is not Dead Sea salt, which contains too much bromide. Some options for purchasing pure, unrefined sea salt include Salts Worldwide, which offers a variety of sea salts from across the world, including the highly-rated Fleur de Sel Sea Salt.
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Frequently asked questions
A recent study found that 90% of salt brands contain microplastics, with the highest levels found in sea salt. The study analysed 39 salt brands from 21 countries. 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.
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles under 5mm in size. They come from the breakdown of larger plastic waste, such as water bottles, plastic bags, or fishing nets.
Microplastics enter the ocean through littering and wastewater treatment plants. They can also be introduced into the marine environment through sewage or by the release of fibres from clothing. Once in the ocean, microplastics can contaminate salt through the evaporation of seawater.
The health risks of ingesting microplastics are not yet fully understood. However, studies have shown that microplastics can bioaccumulate in the human body, impacting the immune system and cell health.
