Although microplastics are known to be found especially in seafood, according to experts, there are actually much more common sources in daily diet. Research shows that people can consume anywhere from zero to 1.5 million microplastic particles per day through food and drink. The biggest source is thought to be bottled water.
Science AlertAccording to the news of; 5 surprising sources of microplastics lurking in our food:
1. Chewing gum
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According to experts, chewing gum is actually no different than chewing plastic. Most gums contain a “gum base” made of plastic and rubber. Sweeteners and flavoring substances are added to it. During chewing, this base releases microplastics. One gram of chewing gum can release up to 637 microplastic particles.
Natural gums made with plant polymers are not considered a better alternative. Because a similar amount of microplastic can be formed during the production and packaging process. Research shows that the majority of microplastics are released within the first eight minutes of chewing. Therefore, instead of constantly chewing new gum, chewing one gum for a long time can reduce exposure.
2. Salt
While salt may seem like a simple and pure product, research reveals that 94 percent of salt tested worldwide contains microplastics. Pollution is so widespread that sea salt is now considered an indicator of microplastic pollution in marine environments.
However, pollution is not only in sea salt; It is found in higher amounts in land-based salts such as Himalayan. The production and packaging process is also thought to have contributed to the contamination. Additionally, salt grinding with plastic grinders can release over 7,600 microplastic particles in just 0.1 grams of salt. Experts recommend using a ceramic or metal grinder and storing the salt in non-plastic containers.
3. Apples and carrots
Microplastic pollution was also detected in fruits and vegetables. Nanoplastics, which are plastic particles smaller than 1,000 nanometers, can penetrate the roots of plants. Microplastics can also be found on the surface of products.
A study revealed that microplastics were found most in apples and carrots, and least in lettuce. However, this amount is quite low compared to processed foods. Experts remind that although the effects of microplastics are not yet fully known, the antioxidants (especially red, purple and blue pigments) contained in fruits and vegetables provide great health benefits and recommend that these foods continue to be consumed.
4. Tea and coffee
Microplastic is not just from tea bags; It can also pass through ingredients such as tea leaves, coffee and milk. But one of the biggest sources is plastic-coated disposable cups. As the temperature increases, more microplastics mix from the plastic coating on the glasses into the drink.
The amount of microplastics in hot drinks is higher than in cold drinks. Therefore, choosing cold drinks can reduce exposure. Buying milk from a glass bottle also reduces the amount of microplastic. On the other hand, more microplastics were detected in some carbonated drinks and beers in glass bottles due to the paint on the metal caps.
According to experts, using loose leaf tea and preparing the beverage in metal or glass containers are among the most effective ways to reduce microplastic intake.
5. Seafood
One of the foods most commonly associated with microplastics is seafood. However, experts point out that the amounts detected in seafood are quite low compared to some other sources.
Only 0.2–0.7 microplastic particles per gram were found in marine creatures such as filter-feeding mussels. This amount is extremely low compared to the 11.6 billion particles released in a single cup of tea prepared with a plastic tea bag.
Ways to reduce microplastic exposure
Storing food in plastic containers and consuming highly processed foods are associated with increased levels of microplastics in stool samples. For this reason, it is recommended to store food in glass containers and use glass containers in the microwave.
Additionally, the biggest source of microplastics is bottled water. One liter of bottled water can contain up to 240,000 microplastic particles.
Although creating a completely plastic-free diet does not currently seem possible, it is possible to significantly reduce microplastic exposure with these small changes.
Source: Newspaper Oxygen
