The presence of plastic has become an undeniable reality. From the packaging of our groceries to the storage containers in our kitchens, plastic is everywhere. However, beneath the surface of this convenience lies a growing concern that threatens not just our environment but also our health — microplastics.
Studies have unveiled that microplastics are now pervasive in our food, water, and even the air we breathe. The very qualities that make plastic so useful — its durability and resistance to degradation — are also what make it so harmful. When plastic products are discarded, they break down into smaller particles, eventually becoming microplastics that can persist in the environment for centuries.
A recent report by Toxics Link has brought to light the extent of microplastic contamination in everyday food items like salt and sugar, with the highest contamination found in iodised salt. Studies have also found microplastic particles in seafood, fruits, vegetables, grains, and even drinking water.
The impact of microplastics on human health is a field of study that is still in its infancy but the preliminary findings are deeply concerning. Research conducted by the University of Mexico has revealed that microplastics can accumulate in human organs, including the brain: the study found that the average human brain could contain 0.5% plastic by weight. The health implications of such contamination are vast and still largely unknown. However, early studies indicate that microplastics could trigger inflammatory responses, interfere with cellular processes, disrupt hormone regulation, impair immune function, and even increase the risk of cancer.
One of the primary pathways through which microplastics enter the human body is ingestion. This can occur when we consume food that has been contaminated with microplastics during production, processing, packaging, or transportation. For example, the use of plastic containers and packaging materials in the food industry is a significant source of microplastic contamination. The food industry thus bears a responsibility for the widespread presence of microplastics in our diet. The over-reliance on plastic packaging, combined with inadequate safety measures during food processing and transportation, has allowed microplastics to permeate the food supply.
It is imperative that the food industry takes immediate steps to address this issue. This includes investing in alternative packaging materials that do not contribute to microplastic pollution as well as implementing stricter quality control measures to ensure that food products are not contaminated during processing or transportation. Consumers also have a role to play by demanding greater transparency and accountability from food companies and choosing products that use sustainable and safe packaging.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has launched a comprehensive study to assess the extent of microplastic pollution and its impact on human health. This study, which involves collaboration with leading research institutions across the country, is a crucial step towards understanding the full scope of the problem and developing strategies to mitigate it. However, more needs to be done at the policy level. This includes stricter regulations on the use of plastics in the food industry as well as initiatives to promote the use of biodegradable and compostable alternatives. The government should also invest in public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the risks of microplastics and encourage more sustainable consumption practices.
The time to act is now. The longer we wait, the more entrenched the problem of microplastics will become. Let us not wait for the next alarming study or shocking revelation to spur us into action.
Pankaj Kumar Mishra is a social health researcher at JNU and the founder of CECDR Foundation, New Delhi
