Microplastics on the Dinner Table: What’s the Harm and How To Avoid It

Discover the hidden dangers of microplastics on the dinner table and how they impact your health. Learn practical tips on how to avoid microplastics.
 

Imagine sitting down for a meal only to realize the food on your plate is full of tiny, invisible plastics. Microplastics on the dinner table are a growing concern, with studies showing we ingest more of these tiny particles than we realize. 
In this blog, we’ll explore what microplastics are, how they enter our bodies, and the harm they cause. Finally, we’ll share practical tips on how to avoid microplastics so your next meal doesn’t come with a side of plastic.
Let’s start!

What are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic pieces less than 5mm long, roughly the same size as a grain of rice. They often contain chemical compounds such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), which pose significant dangers to both the environment and human health. 
These small plastic pieces can be classified as primary or secondary based on their origin:
 

a. Primary Microplastics: These are deliberately manufactured as small plastic microbeads or pellets for use in cosmetics, personal care products, healthcare, and various other industries. 
b. Secondary Microplastics: These result from the degradation of larger plastic items over time. The fragmentation can be due to environmental exposure such as sunlight, change of weather, and general wear and tear. Common sources include single-use plastics, tires, and melamine tableware. 
c. Nanoplastics: Another common term you might come across is nanoplastics. These are even smaller than microplastics, around 1 micrometer (µm) or less in size. They can be formed unintentionally as a byproduct of plastic degradation, or intentionally engineered for specific purposes, such as medical or industrial applications.
 

What are the Dangers of Microplastics?

Research shows that these tiny, invisible plastic pieces can harm the environment and the human body in several ways. Let’s discuss a few effects of microplastics:

1. Negatively Impacts Human Health

Once inside the body, microplastics can carry harmful chemicals such as phthalates, BPA, and heavy metals. These substances are known to disrupt the endocrine system, leading to hormone imbalances, reproductive issues, developmental problems, and even certain cancers.
A study published by Nature Medicine (a well-known medical journal) recently confirmed the presence of microplastics in the human brain with amounts equivalent to the weight of a plastic spoon. 

2. Harms Wildlife

Microplastics pose serious threats to wildlife. In a study conducted by the University of Central Florida, researchers analyzed 63 birds of prey and found over 12,00 plastic pieces in their systems. 
According to research published on PubMed Central, microplastics can reduce feeding behaviors and fertility in aquatic vertebrates. In fish, they can cause structural damage to the intestines, liver, gills and even the brain, disrupting their metabolism, behavior and reproduction. 

3. Pollutes Marine Ecosystems and Contaminates the Food Chain

Microplastics can enter oceans in various ways, including litter from land, wastewater discharge, and fragmentation of large plastic debris floating in the sea. Once in the water, these tiny particles are often mistaken for food by marine organisms such as fish, mussels, and whales.
This contamination not only affects individual animals; it disrupts the entire food chain and pollutes the marine ecosystem. Microplastics can interfere with metabolic functions, reproduction, biodiversity, and the survival of microbial communities, zooplankton, and other small fauna. Many of these smaller organisms are a primary food source for larger animals. 
As a result, microplastics move up the food chain, eventually reaching seafood that humans consume. 

How do Microplastics Enter the Human Body?

Microplastics can be found in many everyday items, including single-use plastics, drinking water, table salt, cutlery plates, food packaging, and even the air we breathe. A 2019 study revealed that humans may ingest 39,000 to 52,000 microplastics each year, and when inhalation is included, the numbers could go up to 121,000 particles annually. 
Here are some of the ways microplastics can enter the body:
Hint: Most of its present on our dinner table.

1. Water Consumption

Drinking water is one of the primary sources through which microplastics enter the human body. These particles are found in both bottled and tap water, therefore, they can easily get into our blood streams.
According to a study published by American Scientist, an average of 325 microplastics were found in one liter of bottled water and 5.5 microparticles in liters of tap water, showing that bottled water may contain up to 60 times more microplastics than tap water.
 

2. Food Packaging

Plastic packaging is another major source of microplastic exposure in our daily lives. From food wrappers and takeaway containers to disposable plates and cling films, many of these materials shed tiny plastic particles during use, especially when heated or used for long-term storage. 
Common packaging includes PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, Polystyrene foam containers, PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) wraps, and nylon tea bags. Upon direct contact with food, they can release microplastics that are eventually ingested. 
 

3. Plastic Utensils

 

Plastic cooking utensils such as forks, spatulas, and ladles can melt or leach microplastics into food, especially when used with hot, greasy, or acidic dishes. One of the most concerning types is black plastic cutlery. A 2018 study from the University of Plymouth showed that 40% of black plastic utensils contain toxic chemicals, often recycled from electronic waste. 
Other common sources include kitchenware items such as plastic cutting boards, blenders, and graters, which can shed tiny plastic fragments during use and contaminate food. 
Additional culprits are melamine tableware, plastic spice containers, coffee thermoses, disposable cups and straws, and even instant or highly processed foods.

4. Inhalation

Research shows that microplastics can be present in 4-77% of the air we breathe. In one study, scientists examined the entire digestive tracts of 50 animals from 10 different species under strict contamination controls and detected microplastics in every single animal tested. Another alarming study found microplastics in 17 out of 22 blood samples of healthy adult individuals. 
Airborne plastics are released from synthetic textiles during washing and drying, the wear and tear of car tires, and even the degradation of household plastic items. These tiny plastics can be inhaled directly into the lungs, where they can result in respiratory issues, inflammation, and potentially more serious long-term problems. 
 

5. Food Intake

Every animal is breathing or ingesting plastic, and humans are no exception. Microplastics have made their way into a wide range of foods, especially seafood, which is one of the most affected by polluted marine environments. Fish, mussels, and shellfish often ingest microplastics, which pass up the food chain. 
But the problem goes far beyond the ocean. Studies have detected microplastics in foods like sugar, honey, rice, and even milk. Processed foods and instant, ready-to-eat meals, especially those packaged in plastic, are also common sources of microplastic intake through food. 

How to Avoid Microplastics?

At this point, you might be wondering: If microplastics are everywhere and so harmful, how do I stay safe? While it is nearly impossible to avoid them entirely, you can still reduce your exposure with a few smart steps. 
Let’s discuss each of them briefly!

1. Avoid Single-Use Plastics

Start by addressing the root causes. Single-use plastics like plastic bags, straws, water bottles, and food wrappers are the biggest contributors to microplastic pollution. Choose products that promote recycling and get plastic-free items wherever possible. 

2. Ditch Plastic or Melamine Tableware

Plastic and melamine dishes, cutting boards, graters, sprinklers, etc., can release microplastics into your food. Replace them with safer alternatives like glass, ceramic, bamboo, or wooden cutlery. A well-maintained bamboo cutting board maintains healthy kitchen habits. These materials are more durable than plastic and surely do not cause plastic contamination. 

3. Limit Highly Processed Foods

Highly processed foods and instant ready-to-eat meals can contain a significant amount of microplastics. According to researchers Dunzhu Li and Yunhong Shi, preparing instant noodles in a plastic container can release up to 1 million microplastics per litre of hot water. Choose fresh, unpackaged food, and avoid eating in plastic containers. 

4. Use Natural Packaging Alternatives

No doubt, plastic packaging is one of the main culprits for environmental pollution, but the good news is that eco-friendly alternatives are now widely available. Instead of plastic-wrapped products, choose items packaged in bamboo, kraft paper, jute, or mushrooms. 
 

5. Check Certifications

Another great way to avoid microplastics is by checking certifications on the products you use in daily life. Look for common and reputable labels like Plastic Free Certification, FLUSTIX Plastic-Free Seal, Microplastic-Free Certification, and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100. These certifications ensure that the products meet industrial standards of safety.
 

6. Install Water Filters 

Studies show that bottled water contains up to sixty times more microplastics than tap water. To reduce your exposure, consider installing a water filter at home. Look for filters with activated carbon, reverse osmosis, or nanofiltration systems to ensure your drinking water is free from microplastics and other contaminants. 
 

7. Opt for Loose-Leaf Tea

A 2024 study revealed that brewing tea with a tea bag made of plastic propylene emits around 1.2 billion microplastics per millimeter of tea. To enjoy your tea without tiny pieces of plastic, switch to loose leaf tea or use a stainless steel or ceramic infuser. 
 

8. Switch to Natural Fibers

Clothing made from synthetic fibers, such as nylon and polyester, sheds microplastics every time it's worn or washed. To help tackle this issue, consider switching to fabrics made from natural fibers like cotton, wool, and hemp. Using washing machine filters and dry-lining your clothes can help further minimize microplastic shedding.
 

FAQs

1. Are microplastics harmful?
Yes, microplastics are harmful to humans, plants, and the environment. In humans, they can lead to respiratory issues, endocrine disruption, and reduced reproductive health. In animals and plants, microplastics can affect digestion, growth, and development.

2. Does silicone have microplastics?
No, silicon does not shed microplastics. While it is a plastic polymer, its stable and durable structure prevents it from breaking down into plastic particles like traditional plastics.

3. How to remove microplastics from your body?
While there is no guaranteed method for removing microplastics from the human body, you can support the natural detox process by drinking filtered tap water, opting for a fibre-rich diet, avoiding canned or processed foods, and staying hydrated.
 

Conclusion

In this blog, we explored the harmful effects of microplastics on the human body, animals, and the environment. We also discussed how microplastics enter our bodies and shared practical tips for making smart choices to avoid them in daily life. 
Now that you’re familiar with the tips and tricks to reduce microplastic exposure, you’re ready to make impactful changes and protect both your health and the planet!

 

Choose Ancheng for Microplastic-Free Dinnerware!

For over 20 years, Ancheng has revolutionized the industry with eco-friendly, disposable bamboo and wooden tableware. Our range of sustainable, biodegradable products includes everything from cutlery sets to straws, with full customization options. 
With multiple industry-recognized certifications, we ensure our products are safe, eco-friendly, and biodegradable. Make the responsible choice today and join us in creating a world where disposable tableware is safe, healthy, and free from microplastics. 
Check out our product range, and contact us today!