Microplastics are an emergent cause for concern when it comes to health. These tiny plastic particles, measuring no more than 5mm in length, are the result of manufacturing processes, chipped plastics, and even deliberate fabrication for certain uses.
They’ve entered water supplies and have been found in our bodies, and they’re so prevalent that they’ve been discovered in places as remote as the Arctic.
It’s unclear how much damage these things are doing to us and the environment, but early research is pointing to the ‘not good’ side of the spectrum.
Some studies have linked them with heightened inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell damage, and some believe their presence in brain tissue could be a trigger for conditions like dementia.
If you want to avoid them, then you’re facing an uphill battle. In the majority of cases you can’t see them, and the chances are that you’ve inadvertently ingested or inhaled some already. After all, they’re in the water supply, and by extension they’re in and on our livestock and crops.
As with so many alarmist bits of health news, it’s best not to panic. We still don’t know how problematic these inert little lumps really are and, as you’ll see in the forthcoming list, avoiding them entirely is practically impossible.
Nevertheless, Dr Faith Coleman writing in StudyFinds has warned that ‘until more is known, it seems prudent to limit exposure as much as possible. She then highlighted eight foodstuffs that have been shown to contain microplastics.
Again, they’re everywhere and seemingly in everything, so this is by no means an exhaustive list. Let’s get into it.
Bottled water
Dr Coleman said bottled water is one of the ‘most common sources’ for microplastics and the even smaller nanoplastics.
"Most plastic water bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate, a type of plastic which breaks apart easily when bottles are squeezed,” she said.
Research has shown that a litre of bottled water can contain as many as 240,000 plastic particulates. Switching to glass or stainless steel bottles and filtering your tap water are good ideas for cutting down on potential exposure.
Teabags
Dr Coleman said that teabags often contain polypropylene, even if they’re made of water.
"When hot water contacts the tea bags, they may release microplastics into the tea," she said. The emphasis is on ‘may’ here.
With that in mind, she suggested brewing loose-leaf tea or using a stainless steel diffuser.
Seafood
If they’re in our waterways, then it stands to reason that they’re in our fish. Dr Coleman notes that plankton absorb microplastics, and those plankton are a major food source for fish
"Portland State University recently reported a study in which they found microplastics in 180 of 182 seafood samples,” she said.
"Limit your shellfish consumption. Mussels, oysters, scallops, and other shellfish have higher concentrations of microplastics than fish without shells."
Salt
Even little rock crystals are potentially contaminated with microplastics thanks to packaging, with Dr Coleman recommending buying salt that’s housed in glass or cardboard.
"One study sampled 39 salt brands from around the world and found that 90 per cent contained microplastics," she said.
"They attributed the problem to environmental contamination and production and packaging practices."
Rice
Another ‘major source’ of microplastics, per Dr Coleman, is rice. She said that half a cup of the stuff can contain 6mg of plastic, and rice from instant pouches may contain as much as four times the plastic content.
According to a study from the University of Queensland, washing rice before cooking it can cut plastic contamination by as much as 40%. However, the study used filtered water when washing the rice in the study, so bear that in mind.
Generally speaking: wash your rice before you cook it. The texture and flavour will be so much better if you do.
Fruit and veg
"One study found that apples were the most contaminated fruit and .carrots were the most contaminated vegetable," said Dr Coleman.
"The plant roots take up micro and nanoplastics from soil, which then end up in the edible part of the produce."
Washing and peeling your fruit and veg is recommended if you want to limit microplastics exposure, and opting for locally-grown stuff may be worth considering as well.
Honey
Some studies have shown that bees can carry or consume microplastics. The particulates can then end up in hives before getting picked up within honey.
“Honey can harbour microplastics, even when packaged in glass,” explained Dr Coleman.
“Local beekeepers who use more natural and sustainable harvesting processes may sell honey with less microplastic contamination."
Processed meats
Regular meat can carry microplastics too, but the risk is heightened with processed options like sausages, pepperoni, chicken nuggets and the like.
Dr Coleman said: "A study at the Ocean Conservancy found that 88 per cent of both vegetable and animal proteins contain microplastics. Highly processed proteins store the most microplastics. Examples include fish sticks and chicken nuggets.
"Microplastics also enter protein sources through contaminated animal feed and from the environments in which animals are raised. Plant-based proteins take up microplastics from soil or irrigation."
Featured Image Credit: Isabel Pavia/Getty Images
Rachael Davis