Any piece of plastic that is smaller than 5 millimeters is referred to as microplastic. Microplastics are a subset of nanoplastics, which are even smaller—less than one millimeter in size—and optically invisible.
Small plastic particles generated with purpose and for commercial application are referred to as primary microplastics. They are utilized in fishing nets, textiles, and cosmetic items.
When bigger pieces of plastic break down after being exposed to environmental factors like waves, wind, or sunshine for an extended length of time, secondary microplastics are created.
Which foods have microplastics in them?
We currently consume microplastics in practically all of our food and beverages. But drinking water is where you can find the most microplastics in your diet.
In 93% of the samples of bottled water, plastic debris was discovered in a 2018 study.
83% of the samples of tap water from around the world were found to contain microplastics, according to another study from the previous year.
Numerous research have been conducted on this subject, and one of them discovered the presence of microplastics in wines with polyethylene closures.
Even fruits and vegetables like apples, broccoli, and carrots can contain microplastics.
Furthermore, since everything that is packaged in plastic inevitably contains plastic, it is nearly impossible to consume food without swallowing microplastic particles.
Even the air contains plastic, which has the ability to settle on anything it comes into touch with.
210 of the most marketable fish species are among the 386 marine fish species that have been found to consume plastic waste. Which means that eating this kind of food also exposes us to microplastics.
How much microplastic do we consume, and what health hazards does it present?
The average human can ingest 5 grams of microplastics—about the size of a credit card—per week, according to scientific estimates.
Research indicates that the microplastics we ingest and breathe in can harm our lungs.
Furthermore, before they come into touch with a human cell, microplastic particles can take up other compounds on their surfaces, which can result in additional issues.
For humans and other animals who might consume it, a variety of organic compounds and heavy metals gathered in microplastics can “raise its toxicity.”
How can you prevent consuming microplastics?
Despite the fact that microplastics are now a part of our food supply, there are still some measures to reduce exposure:
- To start, try to steer clear of food that is plastic-wrapped. Plastic grocery store bags can be replaced with reusable cloth bags.
- Consider what you can replace; foods like peanut butter typically have plastic-free alternatives (like glass container).
- Wherever feasible, avoid packaged water and bring your own water bottle (this tip depends on access to safe drinking water).
- Eliminate as many home plastics as you can, such as plastic spice jars, plastic food containers, plastic vinegar bottles, and plastic oil bottles.
- Take all household plastic items to the recycling center! Why? to protect the wildlife, the environment, and yourself.
