Are You Eating Plastic Without Knowing It? The Shocking Truth on Your Plate

Depending on their eating habits and dietary choices, the average person may consume 11,000 to 29,000 microplastic particles annually, while in severe situations, this number might reach 3.8 million.

“Want to have a little plastic with your meal?” Although it may seem like a joke, research indicates that we unknowingly consume microscopic amounts of plastic every day.

In addition to poisoning the oceans and choking rivers, plastic garbage is also getting into our bodies through food. Two-thirds of the 430 million plastic tonnes manufactured annually are discarded after only one usage. An additional 11 million metric tonnes enter seas annually, according to the Ocean Conservancy.

Plastic is present everywhere, from your dinner plate to the Arctic. More than 4,200 of the 16,000 plastic compounds used worldwide are regarded as dangerous.

WHAT ARE MICROPLASTICS AND NANOPLASTICS?

These tiny plastic particles are so small you can’t see them. Microplastics range from 5 mm to 1 micron, while nanoplastics are even smaller.

Recent studies have found:

Microplastics in 90% of animal and plant protein samples.

Even fruits and vegetables absorb microplastics from the soil.

Himalayan pink salt, sea salt, and black salt contain high levels of microplastics.

One plastic tea bag can release over 11 billion microplastic particles when boiled.

Boiling 100 gm of rice can expose you to 3-4 mg of plastic; this can rise to 13 mg with precooked rice.

Washing rice before cooking can reduce plastic by 40% — and also remove arsenic.

HUMAN HEALTH RISK

These pieces of plastic contain dangerous substances. Like sponges, they take up pollutants and get into everything, including our bodies and clothing.

It has recently been discovered that human lungs, blood, breast milk, and even the placenta contain microplastics. According to a recent study, those who had microplastics in arteries close to their brains were twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke.

Heavy metals and endocrine-disrupting substances like phthalates and bisphenols may be present in nanoplastics. The liver, kidneys, and even foetuses may be exposed to these particles.

It’s crucial to remember, though, that experts are still unable to agree on how these polymers will affect human health in the long run.