Microplastics have become an insidious presence in our lives – human blood, placentas and breast milk haven't been spared. These fragments, smaller than 5 millimetres, have infiltrated our daily existence– in the clothes we wear, the air we breathe, and yes, the food we eat.
These tiny particles, composed of chemicals, stabilisers, lubricants, fillers, and plasticizers, pose a significant health risk. Laboratory studies have shown that microplastics can damage human cells, causing cell death, allergic responses, and cell wall damage. Some particles are small enough to penetrate human tissues, potentially triggering immune reactions.
A groundbreaking study in early 2024 discovered microplastics in more than 50% of fatty deposits from clogged arteries, establishing a direct link between these particles and human health.
Adults ingest about 900 particles per day, and we defecate about 200 particles per day; the other 700 aren't currently accounted for. The true number can be higher, as only a small number of foods and drinks have been analysed for plastic contamination.
Two theories explain how microplastics cause cell breakdown: either their sharp edges puncture the cell wall or the chemicals within the microplastics harm the cell.
Microplastics in food
In 2022, more than 400 million metric tons of plastic was produced and a significant part of it went into the food and beverage industry for packaging. When exposed to heat, plastic breaks down into smaller fragments - microplastics - which contaminate our food.
Microplastics also enter the food chain through industrial discharge into irrigation water sources. They're absorbed into the human body from cosmetics and synthetic clothes, leached into water sources during laundering, and shed by vehicle tyres. Rain and wind transport these tiny particles into water bodies.
Even fruits and vegetables absorb microplastics through their roots. These particles spread throughout the plant, reaching seeds, leaves, and fruits, with distribution varying based on particle size.
Health risks
Exposure to microplastics from plastic packaging poses significant health risks such as:
- Endocrine disruption: Plastic packaging contains chemicals that mimic hormones in the body, disrupting natural functions and increasing the risk of chronic conditions like infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome.
- BPA impact: Exposure to BPA, a common plastic additive, can reduce the availability of reproductive hormones like oestrogen and testosterone.
- Chronic disease risk: Long-term exposure to endocrine-disrupting microplastics raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease by causing inflammation, insulin resistance, and obesity.
- Immune system impairment: Microplastic exposure induces inflammation and disrupts gut health, weakening immunity by causing dysbiosis and promoting the growth of harmful bacteria.
- Bacterial contamination: Microplastic surfaces can harbour harmful bacteria, compounding the negative impact on immune health and increasing susceptibility to infections.
Some common microplastics that are found in the food we consume include:
- Phthalates: Additives that enhance flexibility, transparency, and durability of plastics, commonly found in food packaging.
- Polyethylene and polypropylene: Lightweight and durable materials used in packaging.
- Bisphenol A (BPA): A plasticizer used in the production of polyvinyl chloride.
- Dioxin: A byproduct of herbicides and paper bleaching.
- Additional microplastics present in food in smaller quantities include BPA, BPF, mono-(3-carboxypropyl), mono-(carboxyisononyl), and mono-(carboxyisoctyl).
Way forward
Though bringing the usage of plastics to a complete halt in an instant might not be a very practical option, there are things that one can do to reduce their harmful impacts:
- Choose whole foods: Opt for whole and minimally processed foods over highly processed ones like hamburgers, ready-to-eat meals, and canned foods to reduce exposure to phthalate microplastics, which are linked to chronic conditions like heart disease, especially in children.
- Sustainable packaging for food: Select sustainable packaging options such as glass storage containers, stainless steel water bottles, and bamboo utensils to minimise exposure to and migration of microplastics in the food supply.
- Avoid plastic water bottles: Reduce exposure to microplastics by switching from plastic water bottles to glass or stainless steel alternatives.
Research conducted by Leiden University in the Netherlands reveals that crops have the capability to absorb nanoplastic particles, which are minute fragments measuring between 1-100 nanometers. These particles, significantly smaller than a human blood cell by about 1,000 to 100 times, are taken in from the surrounding water and soil through tiny fissures in the plant roots.
The majority of these plastics accumulate in the roots of the plants, with only a minute portion migrating upwards to the shoots. Consequently, leafy vegetables like lettuce and cabbage are likely to have relatively low concentrations of plastic, whereas root vegetables such as carrots, radishes, and turnips pose a greater risk of containing microplastics for consumption.
The evidence is clear: governments must acknowledge and address this unwanted emission. Tackling the issue requires a proactive approach combining innovation, policy interventions, and individual actions.
By choosing sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging, investing in research for effective mitigation strategies, and promoting public awareness, we can safeguard human health and environmental integrity.
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