While many Britons are aware that microplastics can be found in seafood, exposure from other common foods is far more widespread than most people realise. Environment expert Catherine Rolph, a Lecturer in Environmental Engineering at The Open University, has highlighted five surprising items in our diets that are known to contain these tiny plastic fragments.
Everyday Items with a Hidden Plastic Content
Catherine Rolph, writing in The Conversation, warns that the public's focus on seafood obscures a broader issue. Studies estimate that daily intake from food and drink ranges from zero to a staggering 1.5 million microplastic particles per day. Since the 1960s, plastic production has soared, with around eight million metric tons entering oceans annually, gradually breaking down into fragments smaller than 5mm.
1. Chewing Gum
Most chewing gum is made from a synthetic gum base composed of plastics and rubber. A single gram can release up to 637 microplastic particles, primarily within the first eight minutes of chewing. Interestingly, even natural plant-based gums release similar amounts, suggesting contamination may occur during production or packaging. To reduce exposure, chew one piece for longer rather than frequently replacing it.
2. Salt
Research indicates that a shocking 94% of salt products tested globally are contaminated with microplastics. Contamination is often higher in terrestrial salts like Himalayan pink salt than in marine varieties. Furthermore, disposable plastic spice grinders can release thousands of particles. Switching to a grinder with a ceramic or metal mechanism and storing salt in glass jars can help minimise intake.
3. Apples and Carrots
Microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics can enter plants through their roots and are found on the surface of produce. Studies have identified apples and carrots as among the most contaminated fruits and vegetables, with lettuce being the least. However, experts stress that the health benefits of consuming these antioxidant-rich foods still far outweigh the risks from current contamination levels.
4. Tea and Coffee
Plastic-lined disposable takeaway cups are a significant source, as heat accelerates the release of microplastics into the beverage. One study found a single plastic tea bag could release 11.6 billion particles when brewed. Hot drinks generally contain more microplastics than cold ones. Opting for loose-leaf tea, using plastic-free tea bags sealed with cotton, and choosing reusable metal or glass cups are effective strategies. Buying milk in glass bottles also reduces microplastic load.
5. Seafood
While most seafood samples contain microplastics, the levels are often lower than in other sources. For example, filter feeders like mussels were found to contain just 0.2-0.70 microplastic particles per gram, a fraction of the amount released from a plastic tea bag. This highlights how the focus on seafood might be disproportionate compared to other dietary sources.
Practical Steps to Cut Your Microplastic Intake
Catherine Rolph advises that both storing food in plastic containers and consuming highly processed foods are linked to higher microplastic concentrations. Key actionable swaps include:
- Storing food and reheating meals in glass or ceramic containers instead of plastic.
- Choosing tap water over bottled water from single-use plastic bottles, as several reviews indicate bottled water contains more microplastic particles.
- Using reusable cups and bottles made from metal or glass.
- Seeking out truly plastic-free tea bags and being mindful of packaging.
While eliminating plastics from our diets entirely may be impossible, making these informed changes can significantly reduce daily exposure to these pervasive contaminants.
