Are "Microplastics" in our food making us sick?

General
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“Microplastics”, the plastic particles less than 5 mm in size are now routinely detected in everyday food items like seafood, salt, fruits, vegetables, and drinking water.

  1. A 2019 research study published in the journal “Environmental Science & Technology” estimated that humans ingest up to 50,000 microplastic particles per year, predominantly through food and beverages.

  2. Alarmingly, these particles have also been found in human blood and placenta (Journal: “Environment International”, 2021 and 2022), along with lungs (Journal: “Science of The Total Environment”, 2022), suggesting that they are not just passing through the body, but may be circulating and accumulating in the tissues.

Although direct links to specific diseases are still under investigation currently, several laboratory research studies have raised serious concerns.

  1. Research published in the journal “Frontiers in Endocrinology” (2021) found that microplastics can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune responses at the cellular level.

  2. Animal studies, such as those published in the journal “Environmental Science & Technology” (2019), have shown disruptions in gut barrier integrity and immune regulation following microplastic exposure.

  3. Furthermore, microplastics often carry chemical additives like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, endocrine disruptors that interfere with hormone function and may contribute to metabolic and reproductive disorders (as per the journal, “The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology”, 2017).

Emerging evidence also suggests a possible role of microplastics in the development of lifestyle diseases such as Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, Cancer, and Cardiovascular diseases, due to their impact on metabolism, inflammation, and hormone regulation.

While more human data is needed, the early findings are concerning enough to warrant precaution. Simple steps like avoiding heating food in plastic containers, switching to glass or stainless steel for storage, drinking filtered tap water instead of bottled water, and minimizing packaged food intake can significantly reduce this microplastic exposure. Even small lifestyle changes may help limit this invisible but growing risk.

Have you ever thought about microplastics when choosing your food or drink?

How do you think microplastics may affect future generations?

3 Likes
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Yes this microplastics are not visible to our naked eyes but it affects us alot and may cause several health issues… While eating and drinking in the plastic bowls and plastic bottles this will be unknowingly consumed by us. So it is better to avoid taking the food and consuming the cool drinks in plastic bottles…

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Microplastics are everywhere including inside us. It’s in our brain, liver, kidney, placenta and even in the gametes. We might not be able to completely eliminate plastics from our daily life but using some alternatives for majority of tasks is good. Avoid plastics as much as possible. It’s not just affecting us but will affect our future generations too.

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Is there a way to avoid microplastic intake? Unfortunately, it seems there is not. Humans have polluted the environment to such an extent that scientists have discovered microplastics even in fish from the deep ocean. This is a problem we must live with, and there doesn’t appear to be a solution on the horizon.

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@Rachana nicely outlined and I completely agree, as every single step towards avoiding it as much as we can, as per our self-potential will help in building that well-being. Every single step counts and a change always starts with a small difference in the activities that we do. Taking a conscious decision by everyone will definitely create some small and gradual changes.

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@Kothwalzabeen yes, we unknowingly use them a lot. With a pinch of awareness, some changes definitely will come in. Various research studies demonstrate that even a small change at the individual level can bring in significant changes atleast in protecting our well-being first. These being one of the major causes of cancer these days, a tiny change in habit can save life of someone.

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That’s terrifying!

  • I’ve recently read an article, which says that microplastics can even pass from mother to child through breast milk, which is alarming.
  • The fact that they’re found in placenta and now potentially in breast milk suggests that exposure starts even before birth and continues through critical developmental stages.
  • It’s crucial we take steps to minimize exposure, like reducing plastic use and opting for safer storage options. The long-term health impacts are still being studied, but it’s clear we need to act now to protect our health and future generations.
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@Devesh_chandola Thank you for this information. Yes, the condition is much alarming now and the only thing we can do is try our best to minimize the exposure as much as we can. A mindful observation followed by an informed action goes a long way.

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This is actually a much needed topic to discuss.In the fast paced world ,everyone wants to avoid carrying vessels or degradable bags thinking that it will make them look like a uncivilized one .But they don’t know that they are consuming a very worst thing the mankind have ever invented.And more importantly I used to see lot of plastic waste - not discarded properly causing so much of trouble to animals and other beings.i used to see a lot of people saying “what a big change going to happen by avoiding plastic by me alone”But please remember “TINY DROPS MAKING A BIG OCEAN”

Bringing awareness and made them understand that they are not only damaging the outside environment but their inside too.