Plastics and microplastics
Plastic is a long-chain polymer that is widely used in homes and businesses due to its excellent physiochemical qualities, accessibility, and economic advantages. Products made of plastic are frequently used and well-liked by consumers because of their affordability, strength, resistance to water, and ease of manufacturing (Mamun et al., 2023). The plastics industry grew every year leading to a global plastic production of over 367 million metric tons in 2020 (Taxeidis et al., 2023). Microplastics (MP) can take many different shapes, such as fibers, spheres, and fragments. The majority of these result from the breakdown of bigger plastics (macroplastics), with the exception of purposefully created microbeads. Over time, microplastics break down into even-tinier pieces, eventually turning into nanoplastics (Hale et al., 2020).
According to recent research, plastic materials, micro/nanoplastic particles, and the compounds they contain are harmful to both human and animal health, and affect our environment negatively. The growing amount of microplastics in the environment has raised serious concerns about human exposure to these particles in food (Kwon et al., 2020). As scientific studies on the buildup of microplastics in food have increased, the awareness on their impact on health significantly also increased. The bar chart below shows the increasing number of studies conducted on the topic of microplastic pollution and its impact on health over the years from 2023 to 2024 according to ScienceDirect. This highlights how concern about microplastic contamination and its effects on human health has steadily intensified.
The journey of microplastics through the food chain
Modern society's growing use of plastic products has contaminated almost all our surroundings with microplastics (synthetic plastic particles smaller than 5 mm). Although plastics' many uses have improved our lives, the "plastic end-of-life" has drawbacks, including the presence of plastic particles in all environmental areas. Because plastics are so resistant to breaking down and can remain in the environment for a long time, microplastics easily enter the human food chain (Mamun et al., 2023). The concept of "end of life" in plastic waste management refers to the stage at which plastic products or materials have reached the end of their useful life and are no longer in active use.
Microplastics are made easily by some human activities like Clothes Washing, Painting and Coatings, Tire Wear, Burning of Plastics and dumping them in Landfills and Dumps. There have been reports of microplastic buildup in freshwater systems, beaches, seas, and soils and sediments. As a result, it is possible that eating different foods may eventually bring microplastic contamination from around the world back to our dinner tables.
When items are processed or cooked, microplastics may be added or eliminated. In order to quantify the food's contribution to the total amount of microplastic consumed by humans and to reduce this exposure going forward, research on processed foods is therefore essential (Kwon et al., 2020). The image below is a typical path for microplastics entry into our body from its dispersal to its ingestion into our systems.
Microplastics found in common foods
The buildup of microplastics (MP) in the environment is becoming a significant problem for both humans and the environment. Recently, a lot of work has been done to determine the sources of MP exposure in humans and their discharge into the environment ((Fadare et al., 2020). Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic, and certain synthetic fibers like polyester are among plastics' microplastics commonly detected in food. These types of plastics are commonly used in making bags, bottles, food packaging, food containers, bottle caps, straws, Styrofoam, cups, disposable cutlery, food packaging, bottled water, soda bottles, tea bags, food processing equipment, fishing nets, paints, nail polish, coatings, synthetic clothing and textiles.
Even though there are many research on seafood, including fish and shellfish, it is challenging to estimate the total amount of microplastics that humans are exposed to through food consumption because there aren't many studies on other food items (Kwon et al., 2020). Small fishes and marine shell fishes might give the most extreme exposure of microplastics through food. This is because the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of these fish species is consumed as a whole food and microplastics concentrations are often highest in the GI tract. On the other hand, in addition to other preparation processes including removing the gills, skin, scales, and fins, vertebrate animals including the majority of fish species are prepared by removing the GI tract before cooking and ingestion. In the higher ranges of the MP size range, a number of reviewed studies have documented the occurrence of MPs in these vertebrates, fishes, shrimp, and bivalves to be at fairly low quantities (Van Raamsdonk et al., 2020).
Bottled water contamination with microplastics is very huge. Most of the bottles used in packaging water release huge amounts of microplastics into the water which we in turn drink and ingest into our systems. Tea bags made with plastics have extreme effects on our health as they release thousands of MPs into our teas when we soak them. Crops and vegetables harvested from MP contaminated soils also pose risks to our health when they are not properly treated before consumption. These food sources affected by microplastic contamination in the food chain threaten the security of food.
Health risks of microplastics bioaccumulation
Foods of both plant and animal origin, food additives, beverages, and plastic food packaging can expose people to microplastics. Microplastics can build up (bioaccumulate) in living things' tissues and organs, which can have long term biological impacts and pose health risks such as gastrointestinal diseases, immunological responses, respiratory troubles, cancer, infertility, and genetic abnormalities to people(Mamun et al., 2023). Knowing the distributions of MPs is crucial to examining their possibly harmful consequences once they enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. The consumed MPs are digested in roughly two to six hours after passing straight through the esophagus and into the stomach. Unlike ingested MPs, airborne MPs are more likely to settle in the alveolar regions of the human lungs before moving into the epithelial layers as a result of gas exchange between the capillaries and alveoli (Wu et al., 2022). The additives used in the production of plastic products, including gloves, have the potential to cause allergic reactions in addition to the polymers in them. The potential impact of nano- and microplastics on cancers is of great interest.
Scientific literature and meta analyses were analyzed in light of studies regarding environmental factors that influence the start of cancer of the colon. People who work in a variety of industries, such as the rubber and plastic sectors, may be at a higher risk of developing cancer of the colon. Food allergies may be impacted by plastics. Plastics may change the way food allergies are processed, increase intestinal permeability, cause gut inflammation, or result in intestinal imbalances. Several studies show that exposure to plastics might cause respiratory illnesses, particularly in those who are exposed to large amounts of the material. Lung disorders, nervous system disorders and respiratory toxicity are among the many effects of microplastic contamination in our systems.
What can be done to limit exposure to microplastics?
One easy way to reduce exposure to microplastics is to avoid microwaving food in plastic since this can release microplastics. Moreover, make an effort to reduce the use of plastic bags, food packaging, bottles for beverages, and other plastic products that may increase exposure to microplastics. Another way to lessen the shedding of microplastics that contribute to microplastic pollution is to wear clothing made of natural fibers rather than synthetic ones. Properly cleaning food before cooking or eating is essential, as heat cannot destroy microplastics or remove their harmful effects. To reduce microplastic exposure, start by thoroughly rinsing fresh foods under cold running water to wash away particles that may have settled on the surface. For leafy greens, consider soaking them briefly and then rinsing to help dislodge any microplastic fragments. Additionally, choosing loose fruits and vegetables over pre-packaged options can limit exposure from plastic packaging. While these steps do not eliminate all microplastics, they can reduce the amount entering your body from everyday foods. Even though total avoidance might not be feasible, taking these precautions might help lower exposure and guard against any health hazards related to microplastics.
Some common myths about Plastic contamination in food
1. Can Microplastics from Acrylic Nails Contaminate Our Food?
There is a chance that tiny fragments from acrylic nails could go into meals. Particularly when exposed to heat or stress, acrylic nails are prone to minor chipping or flaking. Although the risk is minimal, it can build up over time, especially if nails come into frequent contact with food. Although the danger is generally low, it rises for those who work in food preparation. Long-term exposure to microplastics may be harmful to one's health, particularly if the acrylic has harmful chemicals.
2. Can We Get Microplastics in Our Nostrils from Smelling Clothes?
Microfibers may be released into the air by synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, particularly if they are brand-new or worn often. Although research is still being conducted to figure out the precise amounts we might inhale in daily situations, clothing-related airborne microfibers are one possible source of microplastics. Since breathing microplastics is a relatively new field of research with possible connections to immune system reactions and lung inflammation, the level of worry is moderate. Regular indoor exposure to synthetic textiles may raise the risk, especially in confined areas or when doing tasks that cause the fibers to become disturbed, like folding clothes.
3. Can Using Straws to Drink Juice Lead to Microplastic Contamination?
It is possible. Microplastic particles may be released from plastic straws, especially after repeated use or exposure to high temperatures. The release from single-use plastic straws is small but not negligible. Long-term or repeated use of plastic straws, especially for hot beverages, may increase the release of microplastics. There is low to moderate concern. Over time, the cumulative effect of frequently using plastic straws may increase the consumption of microplastics. This risk can be reduced by using bamboo or stainless steel straws instead.
4. Can Tea Bags Add Microplastics to Our Teas?
It is possible. Especially with tea bags made of plastic (like nylon or PET), which release microplastics when they come into contact with hot water. When soaked in hot water, a single tea bag made of plastic can release billions of microplastic particles, according to studies. It is a significant source of possible exposure and is extremely damaging because of the huge number of microplastics generated in a single use. To lessen exposure, switching to tea made from loose leaf or paper tea bags is recommended.
Did you know that your takeaway packaging is adding microplastics to your food?
There are several ways that takeaway packaging, like plastic cups and fast food containers, might contaminate food with microplastics. First, when plastic items are made for food packaging, airborne microplastics may contaminate the container even before it is sent to the market to be sold and when sold, it subsequently contaminates the food. Additionally, when plastic packaging is subjected to heat for example, via microwave reheating or hot liquids microplastics may be released into food and drinks. Therefore, there may be health hazards if customers consume food that has been contaminated by microplastics from food packaging.
References
Fadare, O.O. et al. (2020) ‘Microplastics from consumer plastic food containers: Are we consuming it?’, Chemosphere, 253, p. 126787. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126787.
Hale, R.C. et al. (2020) ‘A Global Perspective on Microplastics’, Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 125(1), pp. 1–40. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JC014719.
Kwon, J.H. et al. (2020) ‘Microplastics in food: A review on analytical methods and challenges’, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(18), pp. 1–23. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186710.
Mamun, A. Al et al. (2023) ‘Microplastics in human food chains: Food becoming a threat to health safety’, Science of the Total Environment, 858(October 2022), p. 159834. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159834.
Van Raamsdonk, L.W.D. et al. (2020) ‘Current insights into monitoring, bioaccumulation, and potential health effects of microplastics present in the food chain’, Foods, 9(1). Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9010072.
Taxeidis, G. et al. (2023) ‘Triggering and identifying the polyurethane and polyethylene-degrading machinery of filamentous fungi secretomes’, Environmental Pollution, 325(March), p. 121460. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121460.
Winiarska, E., Jutel, M. and Zemelka-Wiacek, M. (2024) ‘The potential impact of nano- and microplastics on human health: Understanding human health risks.’, Environmental Research, 251(P2), p. 118535. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2024.118535.
Wu, P. et al. (2022) ‘Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity of microplastics in the human body and health implications’, Journal of Hazardous Materials, 437(June), p. 129361. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129361.
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