Microplastics and How to Reduce Ingesting Them in Your Food and Drink
Scientists have discovered that plastics are everywhere in the ocean, in our rivers, and the air. The smallest pieces blow around in the wind every year and accumulate. As time goes on there is more of it around because plastic is not natural it does not rot away.
The size of this plastic pollution ranges from microscopically tiny flakes to whole plastic bags, and right up the scale to huge trawler fishing nets. It endangers all wildlife. It is particularly harmful to marine life because ingesting this tiny debris is detrimental to their health.
But it does not end there. The impact on human health of the smallest sizes of these plastics in our bodies is the most concerning. It may cause cancer and has been shown to disrupt important cell membranes. At best in all creatures, it tends to hang around and get in the way, and that cannot be good.
What are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles (less the 5mm in size) that break off when plastic is physically damaged or oxidized.
These particles are so small that many of them can't be seen without a microscope. But they're moved around in our rivers and by ocean currents moving huge distances in global circulation patterns, rather like confetti.
It's only recently that scientists have begun looking for "hot spots" where these particles accumulate. The purpose of such studies is to gather data on the quantity and potential hazards which exist from these small pieces of trash. However, many problems are already known.
Where are Microplastics?
Microplastics are everywhere. They get into our bodies in our food. For example, they can enter through the nostrils of farm animals from the tire dust blowing off roads.
And even our water supplies are affected when they get into rivers which are used to supply our tap water.
Therefore, many scientists are trying to limit the use of plastics.
Microplastics in Food
Microplastics are found in food. A recent study in Australia found that people ingested up to twenty grams of microplastics each week. In addition, consumers in other countries may be consuming up to four pounds of microplastics every month. Some sources of plastics are likely to harbor toxic chemicals harmful to humans, while others are not.
The Reason for Concern
"How can bits of plastic hurt anyone", you might ask. After all, plastic is surely just made from long-chain polymers of carbon and hydrogen. Those two elements are some of the most common on earth.
However, the concern does not come from plastic resin when it is pure. Some forms of plastic are used in their pure form with nothing added. Other plastic polymers would be too brittle without the addition of plasticizers. Bulking substances are also added by manufacturers to reduce the cost of plastic materials as well.