Plastic is one of the most overused materials on Earth. It is used for packaging, wraps, bottles, clothing, and various other goods. Plastic based products are derived from non-renewable resources that are polluting the earth on a grand scale. The fashion industry uses approximately 340 million barrels of oil to produce synthetic plastic based fibers such as nylon, polyester and acrylic. Plastic continues to contribute to ocean pollution as it is transported through sewage treatments. Sewage treatments or wastewater are dumped into rivers and oceans where wildlife soak up toxic micro and nano plastics.
Nanoplastics in Food
Human beings ingest nano and micro plastic particles through the foods they consume. Plastics shed in a manner similar to skin and a person will not be able to tell if a food has high concentrations of microplastics in it. Certain fruits, vegetables and proteins have been tested and found to have the highest concentrations of micro fragments of plastic due to the packaging that they may be stored in. Microplastics are teeny tiny microscopic particles that are invisible to the natural eye. The range in size of microplastics can be anywhere from 0.2 inches to 1/25,000th (1 micrometer) of an inch. Anything smaller than 1/25,000th or 1 micrometer is classified as a nanoplastic.
Some foods contain more microplastics than others and should only be consumed in consideration of this fact. Here is a list of the highest nano plastic containing foods:
1.) Coarse Himalayan Pink Salt and Marine Salt
2.) Rice
3.) Water Bottles
4.) Apples
5.) Carrots
6.) Seafood such as Breaded Shrimp, Fish Sticks
7.) Animal Proteins (Beef, chicken, pork)
8.) Vegetable Proteins (Tofu, Meatless Crumbles)
Nano Plastics are Toxic
Absorption of microplastics and nanoplastics can be toxic to human health. A study completed in 2024 centered on studying microplastics and its affects on human health. People who had nanoplastics and microplastics arteries in their neck were more likely to have a stroke or heart attack. They were also more likely to die than those who had no plastics in their bodies. Plastic manufacturing utilizes a host of chemicals. The chemicals found in microplastics can invade human cells and organ tissue. The minuscule particles in nanoplastics contain chemicals such as polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), pthalates, and bisphenols which can be absorbed by the body.
Green Lifestyle Necessary
Leading
a green lifestyle is important for preventing consumption of foods
with high concentrations of microplastics. A person can avoid consuming
microplastics by purchasing foods from grocery
stores or eating at restaurants that offer plastic free containers and packaging. Eating foods stored in
glass, steel, wood or ceramic based containers and packaging can make a difference and prevent unknown consumption of nanoplastics. Opt to heat or microwave foods in glass containers
only. Lastly, individuals leading a green lifestyle should refrain from
wearing clothing with plastic containing fabrics since the nanoplastics
in them can be readily absorbed by the skin. Individuals leading a green lifestyle should only wear natural fibers such as cotton, jute, hemp, flax or silk.
Major cities and states have chosen to implement policies on plastic usage. Some have created plastic bag bans and many restaurants have begun using non plastic utensils (straws, forks and spoons) for takeout. Plastic usage affects many of our earth's ecosystems. Finding alternate sources for plastic is a crucial area within the green landscape that will help to resolve many of the earth's environmental problems.
By: Mechelle Eleene
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