You could be eating plastic every day without knowing it

India Today

05-06-2025

'Would you care for a little plastic with your dinner?' It may sound like a joke, but studies suggest we are consuming tiny pieces of plastic every day -- without realising it.Plastic waste is choking rivers, polluting oceans, and now, entering our bodies through food. Around 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year, two-thirds of which are thrown away after one use. According to Ocean Conservancy, an extra 11 million metric tonnes enter oceans each year.From the Arctic to your dinner plate, plastic is everywhere. Of the 16,000 plastic compounds used globally, over 4,200 are considered hazardous.WHAT ARE MICROPLASTICS AND NANOPLASTICS?These tiny plastic particles are so small you can't see them. Microplastics range from 5 mm to 1 micron, while nanoplastics are even smaller.Recent studies have found:Microplastics in 90% of animal and plant protein samples.Even fruits and vegetables absorb microplastics from the soil.Himalayan pink salt, sea salt, and black salt contain high levels of microplastics.One plastic tea bag can release over 11 billion microplastic particles when boiled.Boiling 100 gm of rice can expose you to 3-4 mg of plastic; this can rise to 13 mg with precooked rice.Washing rice before cooking can reduce plastic by 40% -- and also remove arsenic.RISK TO HUMAN HEALTHThese plastic bits carry harmful chemicals. They act like sponges, absorbing toxins and entering everything—from our clothes to our bodies.Microplastics have now been found in human lungs, blood, breast milk, and even the placenta. A recent study showed that people with microplastics in arteries near the brain had double the risk of stroke or heart attack.Nanoplastics may carry endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates and bisphenols, and heavy metals. These particles can reach the liver, kidneys, and even unborn babies.However, it's important to note that scientists haven't yet reached a clear consensus on the long-term health impact of these plastics.FOODS WITH THE MOST PLASTICBreaded shrimp had the highest microplastic count -- about 300 pieces per serving.Plant-based nuggets came next, followed by pollock sticks and chicken nuggets.Apples and carrots had over 1,00,000 microplastics per gram.Tofu, chicken breast, and pork had the least plastic content.Most people may be eating between 11,000 and 29,000 microplastic particles each year, but in extreme cases, this number could go up to 3.8 million -- depending on their food choices and habits.HOW TO CUT DOWN ON PLASTIC INTAKEDrink filtered tap water instead of bottled water.Avoid plastic-wrapped food -- go for glass, foil, or enamel.Use glass or stainless-steel containers to heat food.Eat fresh food and reduce processed or packaged items.Wear clothes made of natural fibres.Plastic has become an invisible part of our daily lives -- and our diets. By making a few simple changes, we can protect our health and the planet.Are you ready to make the shift?- Article by Professor Prabhakar Sharma, Head, Department of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Nagaland University (Kohima Campus)
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