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A recent study [found]( “(opens in a new window)”) a whole plastic spoon’s worth of tiny plastic shards in human brain tissue. Pretty wild, right? Some researchers have estimated that people consume between [39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles]( “(opens in a new window)”) each year. If we add how much we take in when breathing, that number goes up to 74,000 to 121,000.
Microplastics aren’t something we can outrun. They’re in our water, our clothes and [our kitchens]( Experts have also found them in the foods we eat. OK, that sounds bad, but _how_ bad is it?
Top 10 Foods in Your Diet That Contain Microplastics
- Seafood: One of the most significant ways plastic particles end up in our food is through single-use plastics that break down and find their way into waterways and soil. When they reach the oceans, they end up in our seafood.
- Tea Bags: A plastic called polypropylene is often used to [make tea bags]( “(opens in a new window)”). When the bags contact hot water, microplastics may be released into your tea.
- Rice: A University of Queensland study found that for every half cup of rice, there are [3 to 4 milligrams of plastic]( “(opens in a new window)”). Washing your rice can reduce plastic contamination by 20% to 40%.
- Salt and Sugar: One study found that [90% of the 39 sampled salt brands]( “(opens in a new window)”) worldwide contained microplastics. This likely results from environmental contamination and the production and packaging process.
- Bottled Water: One study estimated that there are about [240,000 plastic particulates]( “(opens in a new window)”) in a liter of bottled water.
- Honey: Microplastics can be absorbed by honeybees during the process of producing honey, indicating another pathway for microplastic ingestion.
- Fruits and Vegetables: The plants can uptake micro- and nanoplastics from soil through their root systems. Many groceries also package fruits and vegetables in plastic.
- Proteins: Highly processed proteins, like plant-based alternatives, fish sticks or chicken nuggets, harbor the most microplastics. Even animal feeds and environments where animals are raised can contain microplastics.
How do we minimize our exposure to these microplastics? There are several steps you can take:
- Be careful how much shellfish you eat.
- Avoid food-storage containers made of plastic.
- Avoid plastic-wrapped foods.
- Get rid of plastic kitchen utensils.
To help address the overall issue of microplastics in food, you can install a filter in your clothes-washing machine.
There’s no established safe level of microplastics, and we can’t completely outrun them: They’re everywhere and in everything. But it’s a good idea to minimize exposure where you can.
We still have a lot to learn about microplastics and their long-term implications for our health when ingested. It might be hard to hear they’re in so many of our foods, but that shouldn’t deter you from eating well. A [balanced diet]( of protein, fruit, and vegetables will ensure your body has enough fuel to [function and thrive] — microplastics or not.
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