How to Avoid Ingesting Microplastics in Food and Drink
Plastics have been identified in the ocean, rivers, and the atmosphere, according to scientists. The tiniest fragments float around in the wind, accumulating year after year. Because plastic is not natural, it does not rot away, there is more of it around as time goes on.
Plastic pollution comes in a variety of sizes, from microscopic particles to entire plastic bags, and up to massive trawler fishing nets. All of this puts all wildlife in jeopardy. It is especially hazardous to marine life, as ingesting this little debris is injurious to their health.
But the story doesn't end there. The influence of the smallest sizes of these plastics in our bodies on human health is the most alarming. It has been proven to disrupt key cell membranes and may cause cancer. It tends to stick around and get in the way of all species, which can't be good.
- What are Microplastics and How Do They Affect Us?
Microplastics are little plastic particles (less than 5mm in diameter) that break off when plastic is broken or oxidized.
Many of these particles are so minute that they can only be seen with a microscope. But, like confetti, they're tossed around in our rivers and by ocean currents that travel great distances in global circulation patterns.
Scientists have only lately begun hunting for "hot zones" where these particles congregate. The goal of these investigations is to collect information on the quantity and potential risks posed by these little particles of rubbish. Many issues, on the other hand, are well-known.
- What are Microplastics and Where Can They Be Found?
Microplastics can be found in almost any environment. They enter our bodies through our meals. They can enter through the nostrils of farm animals, for example, as a result of tire dust blowing off roads.
When they get into rivers that provide our tap water, they also have an impact on our water supplies. As a result, several scientists are working to reduce the amount of plastic used.
- Microplastics in the Food Chain
Food contains microplastics. People in Australia absorbed up to twenty grams of microplastics per week, according to a recent study. Furthermore, people in other nations may ingest up to four pounds of microplastics each month. Some plastics are more prone than others to contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to humans.
- The Source of Concern
"How can a few pieces of plastic harm anyone?" you might wonder. After all, isn't plastic essentially made up of long-chain carbon and hydrogen polymers? Those are two of the most common elements on the planet.
When the plastic resin is pure, however, there is no cause for concern. Some plastics are used in their purest form, with no additives. Without the inclusion of plasticizers, other plastic polymers would be excessively brittle. Bulking agents are also used by manufacturers to lower the cost of polymeric products.
- What Chemical Additives Do Plastics Contain?
Plastic manufacturers rarely disclose the number of additional plasticizers in their goods. They claim that such knowledge is a trade secret. There is no information on any tests they conduct to determine how safe their additives are for human health and the environment.
- Nobody Foresaw the Threat
However, they never considered the massive volume of plastic and the amount of plastic garbage that would end up in the environment. People also didn't realize how, because it was so near to the density of water, it would float around for so long. Or how it would break up into millions of small pieces that would wash up on beaches, concentrating it once again.
- Reducing Microplastics in Your Diet: What You Can Do?
Because some heat-treated plastic can leach toxins, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against heating plastic in the dishwasher. As a result, avoiding the use of plastics in the dishwasher is crucial. Finally, it is critical to minimize the use of all types of plastic.
If you purchase products containing microbeads (in areas where they have not yet been prohibited), you may be unaware of the negative consequences. Some people claim that they make your bathroom look blurry. When you utilize the product, you may unintentionally consume some of it.
More research is needed, according to the World Health Organization's study on the subject. In the meanwhile, it encouraged nations to prohibit the manufacture and use of microplastics by 2025.
As a result, refrain from purchasing cosmetics and other products that include microbead microplastics, such as some toothpaste and perfumes. At the very least, wash your hands or rinse your mouth after using microplastic-containing cosmetics or toothpaste.
We consume microplastic-contaminated seafood regularly. Simply vary your diet and avoid eating fish exclusively. A study on the effects of microplastics on fish, birds, and other creatures was undertaken by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. They're also investigating different options for reducing microplastics in the ocean.
- Processed foods should be avoided.
Stop eating processed foods that contain microplastics as another strategy to reduce microplastics in your body. Processed foods, unlike traditional meat, which may contain larger plastic particles, can contain more than 10% microplastics per serving. That's a significant amount of plastic!
Despite substantial advancements in studies, there is still no conclusive evidence that microplastics are hazardous to human health. Meanwhile, it's reasonable to believe they are.
When purchasing a product, many individuals are already voting against single-use plastic by opting for one that comes in a returnable non-plastic bottle. If you're concerned about microplastics, join the movement and do the same.
Bottled water should be avoided.
Drinking water is one of the most significant sources of microplastics. According to new studies, bottled water contains twice as many plastic particles as tap water. As a result, avoid drinking water from plastic bottles.
Fortunately, employing a microplastic filter found in some filtration items can help minimize the quantity of plastic in your tap water.
- Other Foods Containing Microplastics
What about the rest of our meal plan? Although no definitive explanation has been found, research suggests that microplastics can be found in several foods, including meat and seaweed. It can also be present in beer and sea salt, in addition to our drinking water.
Because microplastics are so minute and undetectable to the naked eye, it's easy to mistakenly consume them if they're present in our surroundings (our homes and offices). Finally, there is only one solution to avoid them: everyone should dramatically minimize their use of single-use plastic containers and other plastic objects.
- Conclusion
Microplastics are plastic pieces that are so little that they are constantly rinsed down the drain and into the ocean. By choosing foods with low microplastic concentrations, you can reduce the number of microplastics in your diet in a variety of ways.
The first and most obvious way to reduce the number of microplastics in your body is to avoid using microbead-based personal care products. If the products you use regularly do not contain microbeads, there are other precautions you can take to mitigate the risk.
If you're still concerned about your microplastic intake, consider cleaning up your living space's atmosphere. We can take some efforts to limit the number of microplastics in our homes and the world by putting pressure on local authorities to take action.
However, we can still participate in neighborhood clean-ups, decrease the quantity of plastic in our rubbish, and recycle our waste for the rest of our lives.
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