Microplastics: Why they are a Hazard to Our Food Cycle and Environment
Microplastics have been a topic of discussion among environmental scientists for several years, but only now are they gaining more traction in the media. In this section, we will discuss the science behind microplastics and their long-term implications for our health, environment, and food cycle.
Salient Points:
The definition of microplastics, or MPs, is solid particles ranging in size from 1 µm to 5 mm. These are manufactured and insoluble in water, range in shape, and contain plastics that may have additives or chemicals added to them to enhance their color, transparency, and resistance to degradation by temperature, mold, bacteria, light, and other environmental factors.
These additives and chemicals are toxic and are now contaminating our air, water, and soil. The alarming finding is that our food supply, which includes fish, poultry, beef, pork, seafood, and even vegetables, has been noted to have microplastics.
A 2022 study found traces of microplastics in breast milk, pointing to the possibility that they have leached into the bodies of human beings.
Studies have revealed the presence of microplastics in coronary artery plaque.
These microplastics are inherently toxic and have accumulated in the food chain and people's bodies.
They can cause a wide range of dysfunction, ranging from hormonal dysfunction to reproductive dysfunction to mutations causing cancer, as well as accumulating in organs like the heart, kidney, spleen, brain, and other organs with unknown long-term effects.
The chemicals used in plastics, including phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), brominated flame retardants, etc., have all been used in everyday household products and food packaging and are known disruptors of the endocrine system.
They disrupt normal hormone regulation and function. These are closely linked to the causation of cancer of the prostate, breast, and testis, as well as infertility and neuro-developmental disorders like autism.
Along with the chemicals, additives added to plastics include dyes, stabilizers, lubricants, plasticizers, and UV stabilizers, all of which have harmful environmental and health concerns.
Microplastics have flooded our ecosystem, and it is time to review this problem with magnifying glasses! We need to pay special attention to the way our food arrives from farm to table and also do our part in decreasing the efflux of plastic into the environment. As always, I wish that you keep your health in center focus and live long and strong!
