Surprise! You're Eating 50,000 Microplastic Particles A Year, How Does That Feel?

You are eating 50,000 microplastic particles each year! Believe it or not, it’s a fact, according to a recent study report.

On Wednesday, the journal Environmental Science and Technology published a report carrying the news. Collecting data from 25 previous studies about common American foods, the scientists aimed at figuring out how many particles of microplastic are there in those foods.

Then, the dietary guidelines from the US government helped them calculate the average number of plastic particles a person eats within a year. The study covered several kinds of food including shellfish, fish, salt, sugar, and beer.

As revealed by the study, while adults take in around 50,000 particles a year, children consume an average of 40,000 particles annually.

Microplastics go into our body in more than one way, the study points out, we may also be consuming particles through drinking water, or even by just breathing. The fact is that bottled water may be a huge source of microplastic particles.

According to the report, those who drink water from bottled sources only take in another 90,000 microplastics every year, as opposed to 4,000 microplastics taken in by those who drink tap water only.

And if you think the scientists are exaggerating things, remember that the study has covered only a tiny proportion of all foods. It was noted by the authors that the findings “are likely underestimates.”

About microplastics, The Guardian says that mostly, the particles are created by the disintegration of plastic litter. According to The Guardian analysis, even though the influence from ingesting microplastics on human body remains unknown, the particles can release toxic substances or even trigger immune reactions.

While pollution from plastic has been long discussed, we have recently learned that particles of microplastics have reached the farthest point of the Earth, deep down on the ocean bed.