Is Hidden Plastic in Your Food Slowly Poisoning You & Your Family?

• Written by Sejal Singhania

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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Have you ever reheated food in a plastic container? Or carry a plastic water bottle to work every day?

Let’s be honest. Most of us don’t go a day without plastic. Whether sipping water from a plastic bottle, eating seafood in a beachside cafe, grabbing food in a plastic container, or wearing synthetic fibre cloth, it’s just part of our daily lives.

But here’s something that most of us don’t realise: with every sip, bite, or even breath, you may have been letting tiny bits of plastic, called microplastics, into your body.

So, from now on, when you eat chips from the plastic packet or pour water from the plastic jug, just know that some of that plastic may not stay outside your body. It just goes in.

What are Microplastics?

Microplastics in humans are tiny plastic fragments, less than 5 millimetres in size. They originate from various sources, including breakdown of large plastic products, microbeads in cosmetics, synthetic clothing, and industry processes. Microplastics are found in human blood, lungs, stomach, and even the placenta of unborn babies. In 2022, researchers discovered that microplastics are in human blood and the body.

Types of Microplastics

Microplastics in human blood are delivered through various forms. These microplastics can be so small that they fit on the tip of your finger, while some can't even be seen with the human eye. Microplastics are categorised into two main types:

Primary Microplastics

Microplastics are intentionally produced in small sizes and released directly into the environment. They are often found in products like face scrubs, toothpaste (microbeads), industrial additives, or even microfibers from synthetic clothing, textiles, and fishing nets.

Secondary Microplastics

Secondary microplastics are formed when larger plastic items (such as plastic bags, bottles, fishing nets, and other plastic products) break down into smaller pieces due to environmental factors like water, sunlight, and wind. These are smaller fragments (smaller than 5 millimetres), and over time, they fragment into tiny particles.

Both microplastics may end up in the environment and eventually inside us through food, water and even the air we breathe.

How do Microplastics Enter Our Body?

It is not necessary to be near a plastic factory or other industrial area to be exposed to microplastics. They are all around us every day, often in ways we are unaware of. It is surprising how easily these small plastics may find their way inside us. Here are some ways through which microplastics enter human blood:

Through What We Eat & Drink

• Seafood - Marine animals, including fish, shellfish, and other seafood, often ingest plastic in the ocean or indirectly through their food chain. These microplastics are transferred to humans when they eat seafood.
• Water - Plastic bottles and tap water are known sources of microplastic exposure, meaning they can contribute to the entry of microplastics into the human body. Once ingested, these microplastic particles can enter the body and potentially interact with tissues.
• Food - Studies have found that many packaged foods, including snacks, ready-made meals, honey and tea bags, contain microplastics due to the plastic materials used for packaging and storage. Microplastics are also present in fruits, vegetables, and cereals.

Through the Air We Breathe

Yes, you’re breathing the microplastic right now. Microplastics are airborne, meaning that tiny plastic particles are suspended in the air and inhaled by us. Depending on their size and shape, microplastics can affect human health by depositing in the respiratory system, including the lungs.

Through the Products We Use on Our Skin

Some personal care products, such as creams, face scrubs, and cosmetics, may contain micro- or nanoplastics. When these products are used and washed, microplastics can infiltrate waterways and eventually be consumed by humans. Microplastic glitter, often made of polyester, is used in cosmetics like eyeshadow and nail polish for an iridescent effect.

Where are Microplastics Found in the Human Body?

Microplastics have been detected in numerous areas within the human body, including reproductive organs. These tiny particles are making their way into places they don't belong. Here are some of the most surprising places microplastics have been discovered:

• Blood
• Lungs
• Liver
• Kidney
• Brain
• Placenta
• Breast Milk
• Testicles and Semen
• Some biological samples: Stool, Sputum and Urine

The fact that microplastics are reaching such critical body parts is deeply concerning. While researchers are still studying their long-term effects, one thing is clear: these tiny particles are not just around us but inside us.

>> Also Read: 5 Serious Health Hazards of Single-Use Plastic in Longer Run

The Amount of Microplastics in Humans

We might not taste or see them, but we consume microplastics daily. Recent studies show the numbers are more alarming than we ever imagined. Here's how much microplastic is entering our bodies per day through all these:

• Seafood - The amount of Microplastics we might consume in seafood in a single day varies greatly depending on the type and quantity of seafood consumed and the level of microplastic contamination in specific regions. However, studies estimate that we consume an average of roughly 147 particles per day.
• Drinking Water - Tap water and plastic water bottles are the most significant sources of plastic in our diet, with an average of about 1,769 tiny microplastic particles each week.
• Air we breathe - It's estimated that humans inhale 110 to 170 microplastic particles daily through the air, especially indoors and in cities.
• Fruits and Vegetables - The amount of microplastics consumed daily through fruits and vegetables varies depending on the specific food and individual consumption habits.

Note: The numbers and estimates related to microplastic intake can vary depending on the study and the specific methods used to measure microplastics. The information provided here reflects the current state of knowledge and research, which is still ongoing.

How do Microplastics Affect Human Health?

They may be tiny, but significantly impact our health and body function. Once inside the body, these particles may disrupt, damage and linger. Here are some possible effects of microplastics on human health:

• Microplastics can cause inflammation and stress in human cells.
• Some tiny plastic particles carry chemicals that may interfere with hormone conditions.
• Accumulated particles can affect organ functions over time.
• Microplastics also carry harmful substances like heavy metals and pesticides that can harm our bodies.
• Microplastics may weaken the body's natural defence mechanism.

Human exposure to nano- and microplastics may lead to significant health problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease, hormone imbalance, and several types of cancer. Due to harmful substances and persistent inflammation in these microscopic particles, vital organs and long-term health may be in danger. As research continues to uncover the hidden consequences of microplastic exposure, staying safe is more crucial than ever.

That’s where the Care Health Insurance plays a vital role, offering comprehensive health coverage that supports diagnosis, treatment, and hospitalisation expenses for various severe conditions. So, make sure you are always prepared for all the unexpected situations.

Reduce Exposure of Microplastics in the Human Body

While we can’t altogether avoid microplastics, we can take simple steps to reduce our exposure. Some minor changes can help, like:

• Switch to a reusable metal and glass water bottle.
• Don’t microwave food in plastic containers.
• Buy loose fruits and vegetables instead of pre-packed ones.
• Choose natural fabrics (like cotton and wool) when it's possible.
• Use water filters as they help remove microplastics.

Small changes like these can go a long way in protecting your health from the hidden risks of microplastics.

The Choice is Yours Now!

Microplastics in humans may be invisible, but their impact on our lives and bodies is real. As science begins to realise the scope of the issues, we must pay attention to our lifestyle, the things we consume, and the materials we surround ourselves with. Every small change, whether carrying a metal bottle or choosing plastic-free packaging, can help reduce your exposure to microplastics.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.