Maya Ellison
Plastic pollution is everywhere, from the deepest ocean trenches to the Arctic snow, and it's even found its way into our food. Microplastics, which are smaller than 5mm, can be manufactured to be that size, such as the beads in exfoliating scrubs, or can be the result of environmental degradation of larger objects, such as plastic bottles. They can be released into the environment through the practice of using sewage sludge as fertiliser, which eventually washes into waterways, or through the breakdown of plastic kitchenware during cooking and food preparation. They can also enter our bodies through the plastic packaging found on almost everything in the grocery store. The health impacts of ingesting microplastics are not yet fully understood, but studies have found them in human brains, stomachs, lungs, and bones, and they have been shown to damage human cells, decrease reproductive health, and disrupt the endocrine system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Microplastics in the human body | Microplastics have been found in the human lung, maternal and fetal placental tissues, human breast milk, and human blood, and the human diet. |
| Microplastics in the environment | Microplastics have been found in the ocean, air, soil, and remote locations such as the Arctic snow and deserts. |
| Sources of microplastics in the food supply | Sewage sludge used as fertiliser, industrial discharge of poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into water, plastic packaging, tubing, conveyor belts, gloves used during food processing, and contaminated water and soil. |
| Health risks | Potential disruption of the endocrine system and hormones, decreased reproductive health, increased risk of cancer and weakened immune system, and possible contribution to heart disease and lung disorders. |
| Reducing exposure | Avoid storing food or liquid in plastic, minimise exposure to high heat, sunlight, acids, and physical erosion, use alternatives to plastic when possible, and support initiatives to reduce plastic production and pollution. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic food packaging
However, the widespread use of plastic in food packaging has also led to the infiltration of microplastics into our food systems. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastics. They are pervasive and can be found in the ocean, air, soil, and even in remote regions like the Arctic. The use of sewage sludge as fertiliser on farmland contributes to the presence of microplastics in the soil, which can then be absorbed by plants and enter our food chain.
The concentration of microplastics on farmland soils in the UK, for example, is significant, with between 500 and 1,000 microplastic particles spread on agricultural land annually, according to research. This has led to concerns about the potential impact on human health, as microplastics can accumulate in our bodies over time. While the exact effects are still being studied, research suggests that microplastics can damage human cells, disrupt the endocrine system, and decrease reproductive health. Additionally, chemicals added during plastic production can be toxic and further contribute to health risks.
To address this issue, some companies are developing innovative food packaging solutions. For example, Inline Plastics offers tamper-evident and tamper-resistant packaging that is also suitable for microwaves and heat lamps. WOW Plastics provides disposable food containers made from 100% post-consumer PET plastic, meeting rigorous product certification standards. These companies are striving to balance the need for effective food packaging with environmental and health considerations.
While plastic food packaging offers preservation and protection benefits, the presence of microplastics in our food remains a concern. Further research and regulations are needed to fully understand and mitigate the potential health risks associated with plastic infiltration in our food systems.
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Plastic in water
Plastic is the most prevalent type of marine debris found in our oceans and lakes. Plastic debris can come in all shapes and sizes, but those less than 5mm in length are called "microplastics". Microplastics can come from larger plastic pieces that have broken apart, or they can be manufactured as microbeads, which are used in many health and beauty products. These microbeads pass unchanged through waterways into the ocean, and can be consumed by aquatic life and birds.
Microplastics are not just found in the ocean, they are everywhere. Studies have found them in tap water, sea salt, beer, and even in bottled water. A recent study found that bottled water can contain hundreds of thousands of nanoplastic fragments in every litre. The average litre of bottled water contains around 240,000 nanoplastic fragments, with the plastic likely coming from the bottle itself.
The issue of plastic in water is not a new one. Plastic waste enters water sources through littering, poor waste management, stormwater runoff, fishing vessels, cargo and cruise ships, and more. Rivers are the main source of ocean plastic pollution, with coastal cities in middle-income countries being the world's plastic emissions hotspots. During storms and heavy rain events, plastic emissions can increase tenfold as trash is washed into waterways.
The impact of consuming microplastics is still unknown, with the World Health Organization (WHO) concluding in 2019 and 2020 that there was insufficient research to determine the risk to human health. However, the WHO has called for a reduction in plastic pollution to decrease human exposure.
To address the issue of plastic in water, individuals can take steps to reduce their plastic consumption, such as using reusable water bottles and refusing single-use plastic items. Participating in local clean-up efforts and advocating for proper waste management can also help to reduce plastic pollution in water sources.
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Plastic in salt
The presence of microplastics in salt is primarily attributed to plastic pollution in the oceans. Over time, plastic waste breaks down into smaller pieces, which are then carried through water systems and end up in the oceans. These microplastics are absorbed by marine organisms, such as fish, and can also accumulate in the salt through the evaporation process. The harvesting technique can also influence the concentration of microplastics, with industrially harvested salt containing more microplastics than traditionally harvested salt.
The health impacts of ingesting microplastics through salt are still being studied. Scientists and health experts are working to understand the effects of microplastic consumption. However, it is estimated that the average adult consumes approximately 2,000 microplastics per year through salt alone. While the immediate health effects may not be significant, the cumulative impact of consuming microplastics over time is a cause for concern.
To avoid microplastics in salt, consumers can opt for unrefined salt, such as Himalayan pink salt, Celtic sea salt, or Redmond Real Salt. These salts are harvested from ancient deposits or clean waters and are less likely to contain plastic particles. Additionally, unrefined salts retain valuable trace minerals that are removed during the processing of regular table salt.
The presence of microplastics in salt highlights the global issue of plastic pollution and its impact on the environment and human health. While completely removing plastic from our food sources may not be feasible, reducing the use of single-use plastics and consumer plastics can help mitigate the problem.
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Plastic in crops
Plastic has become an integral part of agriculture, with plastic products being used for seedling trays, irrigation tubing, mulch, and livestock feed bags. While these products can enhance crop yields, reduce water demand, and decrease agrochemical use, they also contribute to environmental degradation and long-term soil contamination.
Microplastics, which are plastic particles smaller than 5mm, are pervasive in the environment and can be found in the ocean, air, and soil. They can enter agricultural lands through the use of sewage sludge as fertiliser, the discharge of poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into waters, and the application of plastic mulch films and irrigation systems. These microplastics can then be taken up by crops, leading to their presence in the food we consume.
Research has found that microplastics can damage human cells, decrease reproductive health, and disrupt the endocrine system by interfering with hormone production and regulation. The sharp edges of irregularly shaped microplastics can rupture cell walls, while the chemicals in microplastics can also cause cell death. However, the full extent of the impact of ingesting plastics on human health is not yet fully understood, and further research is needed.
In addition to microplastics, chemicals used in plastic production, such as plasticizers (phthalates) and bisphenols (BPA), can also contaminate food. These chemicals can enter the food supply through packaging, processing equipment, and contaminated water and soil. The presence of these chemicals in our food is concerning due to their potential health risks, even at low levels.
To address the issue of plastic in crops, there is a need for better monitoring, reporting, technical innovation, education, and social and economic incentives to promote the sustainable use of plastics in agriculture. It is crucial to balance the benefits of using plastics in agriculture with the potential environmental and health risks associated with plastic pollution.
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Plastic in seafood
Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5mm, are formed when plastics break down into tiny fragments due to natural forces like sunlight and wave action. These microplastics are pervasive in the marine environment and are easily ingested by marine animals, especially smaller particles like micro- and nanoplastics. They can accumulate in the digestive tract and move into the circulatory system or surrounding tissue, where they are more likely to be consumed by people when eating seafood.
The widespread contamination of our oceans with microplastics means that seafood, including fish and shellfish, can contain significant amounts of plastic fragments. Scientists at Ghent University in Belgium calculated that shellfish lovers could be ingesting up to 11,000 plastic fragments in their seafood each year. While the direct health effects of ingesting microplastics are not yet fully understood, the accumulation of plastic in the human body over time is a concern.
The issue of plastic in seafood is not limited to a specific region, with contaminated seafood being found in Europe, Canada, Brazil, and China. The increasing demand for seafood, with a 3.2% annual increase in seafood production, only exacerbates the problem. As a result, the future viability of seafood as a nutritious food source is at risk.
To address the issue of plastic in seafood, it is essential to prevent plastics from entering the environment in the first place. Additionally, reducing the use of single-use plastics and properly disposing of plastics can help mitigate the problem. While the exact health implications of consuming microplastics in seafood are still being studied, the presence of plastic in our food is an urgent issue that requires attention and action.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic can enter our food in several ways, including through plastic packaging, plastic tubing, conveyor belts, and gloves used during food processing, and even directly into meat and produce via contaminated water and soil.
The health effects of ingesting plastic are still being studied, but initial research suggests that it could be harmful. Chemicals added during plastic production can disrupt the endocrine system and the hormones regulating growth and development. Plastic particles may also contribute to heart disease, lung disorders, and other health issues.
Plastic has been found in a wide range of foods, including seafood, rice, beer, salt, and fast food. A University of Queensland study found that for every 100 grams (1/2 cup) of rice consumed, there were 3 to 4 milligrams of plastic. Researchers estimated that an average adult consumes around 2,000 microplastic particles per year from salt alone.
To reduce your exposure to plastic in food, you can avoid storing food in plastic containers, minimise exposing plastic to high heat, and switch from bottled water to tap water. You can also refer to guides and charts that provide information on the levels of plasticizers and bisphenols in specific foods and food types.
Addressing the issue of plastic in our food requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes advocating for global efforts to reduce plastic production and pollution, such as signing petitions for global treaties. Additionally, individuals can educate themselves about plastics and their impact on health to make informed choices and share knowledge with others.
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