Latest news with #microplastics
Fast Company
18 hours ago
- Health
- Fast Company
Your food is full of microplastics—and now we know why
A study published this week delves into the mystery of how the plastic objects we interact with daily shed tiny particles that creep into our bodies, brains and guts. While the scientific focus has long been on how microplastics pollute our environment and impact wildlife, researchers are increasingly raising alarms about how the same contaminants can wreak havoc in the human body. The new research, published in the journal NPJ Science of Food, wove together data from 100 previous papers that studied microplastics, nanoplastics and plastic particles. The results were compiled into an open database published by the Food Packaging Forum, a Swiss nonprofit that examines chemicals in food packaging. Microplastics and nanoplastics are plastic particles in the millimeter to nanometer range, with the latter causing even more concern among scientists because their tiny size makes them able to slip into human cells. 'This is the first systematic evidence map to investigate the role of the normal and intended use of food contact articles in the contamination of foodstuffs with MNPs [microplastics and nanoplastics],' lead author of and Scientific Communication Officer at the Food Packaging Forum Dr. Lisa Zimmermann said. 'Food contact articles are a relevant source of MNPs in foodstuffs; however, their contribution to human MNP exposure is underappreciated.' How we interact with plastic matters The new study looked at a broad range of 'food contact articles' that included water bottles, cutting boards, food processing equipment and packaging ranging from food wrappers to tea bags. Most food packaging contains plastic, even many things that seem like they don't, like the paper that wraps around cold cuts and cheese, cardboard takeout containers and glass bottles and jars, which often have a plastic-coated closure. The authors focused on how everyday objects used as intended can shed microplastics and how that shedding can worsen over the course of repeated interactions. Across 14 different studies, microplastic shedding was found to increase with repeated uses, including screwing a reusable water bottle lid on and off, washing a melamine dish or putting plastic tableware into contact with hot foods 'These findings are relevant for reused plastic [food contact articles] and should be considered when assessing the safety of FCAs across use cycles,' the authors wrote. Based on their research, and its blind spots, they stressed the need for future studies to delve more deeply into how repeated interactions, heating and washing affects how much microplastic is shed by kitchenware and food packaging that most of the world's population might come into contact with countless times each day. The authors also found that the bulk of the research on microplastics focused on only a few kinds of objects that come into contact with food and drinks, like water bottles and tea bags. Similarly, more studies focused on PET and polypropylene over other common plastics, leaving a lot of unknowns about how much plastic is being shed by food packaging made out of other materials. Food and beverage containers can expose the human body to microplastics every time we interact with them but relatively little is still known about how that process works. That mystery is an ominous one considering how ubiquitous plastics are globally in food packaging and preparation and how their presence is increasingly linked to reproductive, digestive and respiratory problems and potentially even colon and lung cancer. Plastics appear to have no trouble finding their way into the human body. Another recent study found that the adult brain can contain a plastic spoon's worth of microplastics and nanoplastics, an amount that's seven to 30 times higher than what might be found in the liver or kidneys. Those kind of findings show that it's imperative for future research to track down how all of that plastic is finding its way into the human body and what exactly it does once it gets there.
Forbes
a day ago
- Health
- Forbes
A Compound Made From Shrimp Shells Can Rid The Body Of Microplastics
For those unaware of the extent of the problem, microplastics (MPs) are said to be in essentially every person in every part of the world. Ice samples from the poles and tissue samples from the penis show the extent of penetration. Given that these pieces of plastic have been found in placenta samples and reproductive organs, we can say that children are being subjected to plastic exposure from birth. To what degree these nano and microplastics will hurt humans is still debated and research is ongoing, and the FDA states that they'll take regulatory action when adverse effects are known. However, the reason that people prefer to avoid becoming plasticized is the conventional wisdom that having small pieces of plastic within our immune cells, nerve cells, and altering which genes are expressed is something we'd want to avoid. There's certainly no known benefit. Microplastics have ben detected basically everywhere, including the brain and penis. Recent studies discuss the 'ubiquitous' extent of microplastics and their varied effects. Kidney death, liver inflammation, oxidative stress, cellular toxicity, alterations in gene expression and changes to the DNA itself are some of the observed effects of microplastic exposure. I will hypothesize that there's potentially a link between nanoplastics and mental wellbeing. Not just from the obvious observation that plastics in the brain are bad, although this is true; I instead refer to the interference that our gastrointestinal microbiota are suffering with their extracellular vesicles because of microplastics. Understanding the brain-gut-microbe axis and the effect that our intestinal flora there have an impact on our neurological function, one may observe that altering this intestinal environment with nanoplastics can have an effect on mental wellbeing. If you do start depressed, try milk aromatherapy. It shows promise in rats depressed because of gut-brain issues. The Dentist For those of us who don't enjoy visits to the dentist, we have reasons to be validated. Different materials are used in different dental practices, but a lot of them are plastic or packaged in plastic. By the nature of installing implants that will be subjected to the wear and tear of using one's mouth in daily life, microplastics are created and ingested. Other procedures like polishing restorations, ceramic crowns, using elastics, orthodontic appliances, and so on can generate particles. Think about the plastic fibers on the plastic toothbrush you grind against your teeth twice a day. Should we go back to chewing spruce sap? Remedies Chitin is a compound found in mushrooms and the exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects. Chitosan is easily made from chitin. It's used as a dietary supplement and sold to help consumers feel full, block fat absorption and lower cholesterol. Good for wound care as well. We ought to produce more of it and make it mainstream because we have another important reason to like it. A new study has shown that it can benefit our well-being in a novel and needed way: ridding our bodies of microplastics. The study was short but revealing, and I hope it will be reproduced with longer durations and human subjects. The researchers share two important conclusions. For even short periods of ingestion, microplastics accrue in the digestive tract, primarily the cecum which is the pouch between the small intestine and colon. Assuming that chemicals can leach from these plastics and that the particles themselves will eventually absorb into the wider body, it's clearly advantageous to expel this poison before it accrues/accumulates. The group of rats that was fed a diet supplemented with chitosan expelled more MPs that any of the other groups. Intriguingly and encouragingly for me, over a few days the rats released more MPs than they took in. This suggests that chitosan won't just block absorption of current MPs, but in fact facilitate the cleansing of the colon of recently ingested microplastics. Further, after the rats were euthanized and dissected, the chitosan group had the lightest colons which suggests that they had the least total waste accumulated. As side effects for adding chitosan to one's diet are minimal beyond some stomach upset, UNLESS YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO SHELLFISH OR MUSHROOMS, it seems like a reasonable addition. This is not medical advice and as I said, I look forward to studies done with humans for longer periods to provide us with more information. With said I'm intrigued. Singapore. Green buildings trap microplastics, clean the air and water, and cool the city. Prevention A better way to go than solving a problem is to prevent it. Microplastics come from plastics, and despite some laws and public initiatives, the industry is vital and won't fade away naturally. Proactive investment in alternatives will bring about a whole society shift; personal choice is not an option here. Plastic is ubiquitous and a consumer doesn't have a real option to move away from it. Our tap water and the air we breathe are contaminated, so we must do more than avoid microwaving food in plastic containers, or stop buying items packaged in plastic. If anyone has been to any store ever, they would know that this is impossible. Everything is wrapped in plastic. To exist in the modern world is to be a creator of waste; even the well-intentioned can do little more than be frustrated. Green roofs are 97.5% effective in removing microplastics. They're generally good for retaining storm water, cleaning the air and runoff, which lessens the work of wastewater treatment plants. Green roofs can contribute to an urban cooling effect, countering the Urban Head Island (UHI) problem. Singapore has been a prime example of this for years. Now, we find another reason to widely adopt the practice in every city, immediately. Singapore exemplifies greening a city to everyone's benefit. Great Pacific Garbage Patch Removing what's already been released is a net benefit. When considering the scale of the undertaking to clean the North Pacific Garbage Patch and the greenhouse gasses that will be released or the marine life that will be interfered with, it isn't immediately clear what the best approach might be. Leaving it and hoping a reef grows on top of it could make sense, given the rubber tire reef projects we've all heard about. A comparative analysis of the Ocean Cleanup shows that while there will be some impact from action, the effect of doing nothing is significantly worse. Proactive action where possible to remove what's been released before it continues to break down into microplastics and nano plastics is a viable strategy for long term environmental health. In the scenario presented, plastic pollution levels drop to below what's considered a safe limit. Inaction has the higher cost. Leaving plastics in the oceans will be more damaging than removal. Complex problems can't be solved with simple solutions. Plastics can't be completely replaced, but we can adapt the ways we use them and consider novel strategies to mitigate their harm. When these strategies prove themselves to be effective, they ought to be systematically applied.
Sustainability Times
a day ago
- Health
- Sustainability Times
'Glass Is the Real Threat': New Study Finds Glass Bottles Leak 50x More Microplastics Than Plastic, Alarming Scientists Globally
IN A NUTSHELL 🍾 Glass bottles have been found to shed 5 to 50 times more microplastics than plastic bottles, especially in beverages like beer, soda, and lemonade. have been found to shed 5 to 50 times more microplastics than plastic bottles, especially in beverages like beer, soda, and lemonade. 🎨 The microplastics primarily originate from the paint on glass bottle caps , which deteriorates and contaminates the drinks during storage. , which deteriorates and contaminates the drinks during storage. 📊 Beer shows the highest contamination levels, with wine exhibiting surprisingly low microplastic counts, indicating a complex contamination process. 🧼 Simple cleaning methods, such as rinsing caps with water and alcohol, can reduce microplastic contamination by up to 60%. Recent research has revealed an unexpected source of microplastic contamination: glass bottles. While traditionally seen as a cleaner alternative to plastic, glass containers have been found to shed significantly more microplastics into beverages such as beer, soda, and lemonade. This discovery challenges conventional wisdom and raises questions about the safety of our everyday drinkware. As we delve into the findings, it becomes imperative to consider how these microplastics find their way into our drinks and what can be done to mitigate this emerging concern. Microplastics Traced to Paint on Glass Bottle Caps For years, the focus of microplastic contamination has primarily been on plastic packaging. However, recent studies have shed light on an unexpected culprit: the paint on glass bottle caps. Researchers at France's food safety agency, ANSES, discovered that the microplastics found in glass bottles were not from the glass itself but from the paint used on the caps. These microplastics match the shape, color, and composition of the cap paint, suggesting that friction during storage causes microscopic scratches, releasing particles into the beverages. This revelation underscores a previously overlooked source of contamination and highlights the complex nature of microplastic pollution. The paint, used for branding and sealing purposes, can deteriorate under certain conditions, leading to the release of microplastics. This finding challenges assumptions about the safety of glass containers and emphasizes the need for further investigation into packaging materials and their potential health impacts. Wildfire Smoke Disaster: This Groundbreaking Study Links U.S. Blazes to 15,000 Deaths and an Economic Hit of $160 Billion Beer and Soft Drinks Show Highest Contamination Among the beverages tested, beer emerged as the most contaminated, averaging 60 microplastic particles per liter. Lemonade followed closely with 40 particles, while other soft drinks had about 30 particles per liter. Surprisingly, water, whether flat or sparkling, contained significantly fewer microplastics when packaged in glass bottles, demonstrating just 4.5 particles per liter compared to 1.6 in plastic. Wine, often stored in glass bottles with painted caps, showed minimal microplastic contamination, presenting a curious anomaly in the data. The reason behind this discrepancy remains unclear, but it suggests that other factors, such as the beverage's composition or bottle handling, might influence microplastic levels. This variability highlights the complexity of microplastic contamination and the need for targeted solutions to address it. Silent Killer in Your Home: This Common Plastic Chemical Linked to Staggering 356,000 Heart Disease Deaths in 2018, Study Reveals Health Risks Still Uncertain, But Concern Is Growing Despite growing awareness, the health implications of microplastics in beverages remain uncertain. To date, scientists have not established a safe consumption level, and regulatory bodies like ANSES have yet to determine a reference point for potential health risks. Nonetheless, the presence of microplastics in air, food, and even human tissue is becoming increasingly alarming. Research from the University of New Mexico found microplastics in every organ, including the brain, where an adult human could harbor five to ten grams of plastic over a lifetime. This raises questions about the long-term effects of microplastic exposure on human health, especially when considering vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. As the scientific community continues to explore these risks, public concern is expected to grow, prompting calls for more stringent regulations and innovative solutions. 'America Is Stunned': China's Revolutionary Moss Sponge Cleans Up Oil Spills With 90% Reuse, Redefining Global Environmental Power Simple Cleaning Could Cut Contamination While the health effects of microplastics are still being studied, ANSES has identified a practical method to reduce contamination: cleaning the caps. By blowing air and rinsing the caps with a mixture of water and alcohol, microplastic levels can be reduced by up to 60%. This simple intervention could significantly decrease the number of microplastics entering beverages, offering a straightforward approach to improving consumer safety. This finding challenges the notion that complex solutions are necessary to tackle microplastic pollution, instead suggesting that small, deliberate actions can have a substantial impact. As awareness grows, manufacturers and consumers alike may need to re-evaluate packaging practices and consider how such measures can be implemented on a broader scale. As we grapple with the implications of microplastic contamination in glass-bottled beverages, the question remains: how will this knowledge shape the future of packaging and consumer safety? The findings urge us to reconsider the materials we trust and to seek innovative solutions to protect our health and the environment. What steps will society take to address this invisible threat, and how will we adapt to the challenges it presents? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (23)
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Labubu is cute, collectible and oh so carbon-heavy
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@ or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification They're palm-sized, wide-eyed and irresistibly cute. Yet every time a fan opens a Pop Mart blind box to reveal a Labubu , three things hit the planet: a glossy cardboard cube, a foil pouch and a figurine made from non-biodegradable materials. At least one model is 36 per cent polyester, 35 per cent polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and 29 per cent acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Today's joy becomes tomorrow's microplastic, destined to outlive most of us. Pop Mart's revenue doubled last year to US$1.8 billion, driven by its mystery-box model. The thrill is engineered: pay first, discover later and keep buying until the set is complete. This fuels compulsive consumption and excessive packaging. More harmful is the figurine itself. PVC and ABS are durable but environmentally stubborn. PVC degrades into microplastic and leaches toxic compounds. A European Chemicals Agency investigation concluded that some substances added to PVC plastic may pose risks to human health and the environment, warranting regulatory action. Manufacturing 1kg of ABS emits nearly 3kg of carbon dioxide. Multiply that by millions and the climate impact becomes hard to ignore. While fashion has begun to embrace circular models, the premium toy industry remains relatively unchecked. The 'collectible' label often exempts toys from environmental scrutiny. But on resale platforms, bulk lots of duplicates, unwanted figurines and steep markdowns point to overconsumption. Some argue that these toys are too small to matter. But around half of global plastic waste comes from single-use packaging. In blind-box culture, packaging isn't just protection – it's part of the experience, compounding the waste.
CNET
3 days ago
- Health
- CNET
10 Common Foods That Contain Microplastics and How to Avoid Them
Microplastics are the latest hidden hazard worry for the world -- they've even been found in chewing gum. UCLA researchers have found that every time we chew gum, microplastics are released directly into our mouths. In addition to that, a new study published in Chemistry for Life tested 10 chewing gum brands and found every single one contained microplastics. This was found to be the case with both natural and synthetic varieties. A gram of gum releases around 100 microplastics on average, with some pieces spiking as high as 600. With something as common as chewing gum becoming a delivery mechanism for microplastics, the concerns about unknowingly consuming microplastics are only rising. The average person takes in between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles each year just from food and drink according to past research. This figure climbs to over 120,000 if you include airborne particles. To better understand how this could affect your health, we talked with a family physician. We discussed what is considered a "safe" level of microplastic intake, which foods are the worst in terms of microplastic content and what steps you can take right now to reduce your exposure. Read more: Microplastics Are Hiding in Your Kitchen. Here's How to Spot Them How many microplastics are too many? "There is no officially established 'safe' or 'unsafe' level of microplastic intake. It makes sense to want your exposure to be as low as possible," Dr. Joseph Mercola, a board-certified family medicine osteopathic physician, said in an email. Microplastics can enter our food due to contamination where the food was grown, raised or processed. Mercola explained that using plastic mulch and plastic seed coatings in agriculture, and irrigation with contaminated water, are among the various ways microplastics can end up in food. Plastic packaging, utensils and containers are additional sources. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, current evidence doesn't suggest that the levels of microplastics in food are a risk to us. However, you still might want to minimize how much microplastics you passively consume. These are the most common foods that contain microplastics, and the measures you can adopt to reduce your plastic intake. Top 10 foods in your diet that contain microplastics Seafood One of the most significant ways plastic particles end up in our food is through single-use plastics that break down and find their way into waterways and soil. When they reach the oceans, they end up in our seafood. "Microplastics are then taken up by plankton and mistaken for food by fish and shellfish," Mercola said. "The tiny particles accumulate in the flesh ... then end up on our plates." A recent study published by Portland State University discovered a variety of microplastics in 180 out of 182 tested seafood samples. Microfibers are the most common type of microplastic present, but this isn't the only type that ends up in our bags A plastic called polypropylene is often used to make tea bags, and even if you choose paper tea bags, there can still be microplastics in them. The issue is that when the bags contact hot water, microplastics may be released into your tea. Researchers at the Autonomous University of Barcelona discovered that polypropylene tea bags can release plastic particles in the billions, and nylon and cellulose tea bags can release them in the millions. How to avoid it: You don't have to stop drinking tea. Switch to loose-leaf tea and invest in a stainless steel diffuser to enjoy your tea free of microplastics. Rice Rice is also a hot spot for microplastics. A University of Queensland study found that for every half cup of rice, there are 3 to 4 milligrams of plastic. If you use instant rice packets, that number is four times higher, at 13 milligrams. How to avoid it: The study found that washing your rice can reduce plastic contamination by 20% to 40%, though it's worth noting that the study used filtered water for rinsing. Salt and sugar When you top off your dinner with a sprinkling of salt, you're getting an unintentional side of microplastics. It's hard to outrun salt. It's in almost everything we eat, and our bodies need a certain amount of sodium to keep our fluids and electrolytes balanced. One study found that 90% of the 39 sampled salt brands worldwide contained microplastics. This likely results from environmental contamination and the production and packaging process, which includes plastic. Microplastics have also been found in sugar. How to avoid it: To reduce your exposure to microplastics in your salt and sugar, you can buy them packaged in glass or water Bottled water is one of the most well-known sources of micro and nanoplastics. One study estimated that there are about 240,000 plastic particulates in a liter of bottled water. Most plastic water bottles you buy at the store are made from polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, plastic, so it wasn't surprising to see it represented. Plastic particles break apart when bottles are squeezed or exposed to heat. And PET plastic isn't the only type of nanoplastic researchers have found in plastic water bottles. How to avoid it: Drinking tap water from a stainless steel or glass container can reduce your risk of ingesting plastic particles. Honey You might not expect your honey to harbor microplastics, but it does, even if it's in a glass jar. Microplastic fibers can be traced back to bees and pollution. One study exploring whether microplastics ingested or carried by honeybees were then incorporated into hives found that bees can continue the dispersal of microplastics through honey. How to avoid it: Buying honey from local beekeepers who often use more natural and sustainable harvesting methods may reduce the risk of microplastic contamination. Fruits and veggies Vegetables and fruits are an essential part of a balanced diet. They can also contain microplastics. One study that sampled fruit and vegetables found that apples were the most contaminated fruit and carrots were the most contaminated vegetable. How does this happen? "Plants have been shown to uptake micro- and nanoplastics from soil through their root systems, thereby contaminating the edible portions," Mercola said. Many grocery stores also package fruit and vegetables in plastic to keep them fresh. According to the FDA, there isn't enough evidence to determine that microplastics from plastic food packaging migrate into food. But Mercola suggests you avoid it as much as you can anyway. How to avoid it: Wash your fruit thoroughly, peel when possible and opt for local or organic produce. Animaflora/Getty Images Proteins A recent study from researchers at the Ocean Conservancy found that 88% of vegetable and animal proteins contain some level of microplastics. But highly processed proteins, like plant-based alternatives, fish sticks or chicken nuggets, harbor the most microplastics, suggesting the microplastic contamination partly comes from food processing. The study found that breaded shrimp had an average of 300 microplastic pieces per serving. Plant-based nuggets had 100 pieces per serving. Food processing isn't the only way microplastics can get into these protein sources. Microplastics are in animal feeds and in the environments where animals are raised. Plant-based alternatives can be contaminated through the soil or irrigation. How to avoid it: After reading that, you may be wondering what protein you should eat. The reality is that more research is needed to know the exact levels and their impact on our health. Our bodies need protein to function, so getting enough is important, no matter which source you choose. Read more: An Easy Protein Visual Guide to Help You Reach Maximum Muscle Gains What do microplastics in food mean for you? So, do all foods contain microplastics? I can't say for sure. I can tell you, however, that more research is needed to understand just how eating foods with microplastics affects us. Still, though the long-term health effects remain under investigation, microplastics are something to watch out for and guard against if you can, as Mercola explained. "Ingested microplastics have been found to accumulate in the circulatory system and various organs, including the brain, where they can cause inflammation and tissue damage," said Mercola. Other potential side effects are hormonal imbalances caused by the endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics. Microplastics can also absorb other environmental toxins and introduce them into the body. There's no established safe level of microplastics, and we can't completely outrun them: They're everywhere and in everything. But it's a good idea to minimize exposure where you can. Expert tips for reducing your intake of microplastics You can cut down by following this advice: Be careful how much shellfish you eat Shellfish like mussels, oysters and scallops have higher levels of microplastics, so don't overdo it. Avoid food-storage containers made of plastic This is one of Mercola's biggest suggestions because of the "plasticizing chemicals" in plastic. BPA and phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can transfer from plastic to food. They're fat-soluble, so this happens most easily with fatty foods. It's best to store foods with fat in glass containers, but you can store dry foods in plastic if you need to. Avoid plastic-wrapped foods This can be easier said than done, but it's something to strive for in areas where you can switch. Get rid of plastic kitchen utensils From the spoons we use to stir our sauces to the cutting boards we use to chop our vegetables, if they're plastic, you're ingesting microplastics. A good rule of thumb is: Anything plastic that comes in contact with your food should be swapped out for ceramic, glass, stainless steel or wood. To help address the overall issue of microplastics in food, you can install a filter in your clothes-washing machine. If you can afford it, a special filter will catch microfibers before they pollute water systems. The PlanetCare 2.0 microfiber filter starts at $125. We still have a lot to learn about microplastics and their long-term implications for our health when ingested. It might be hard to hear they're in so many of our foods, but that shouldn't deter you from eating well. A balanced diet of protein, fruit and vegetables will ensure your body has enough fuel to function and thrive -- microplastics or not.
