Traces of plastic in us

Have you eaten recently? thousand or seafood? You probably took a lot with them plastic into the organism.

It is difficult to say exactly how much, Brana Pantelić from the Belgrade Institute for Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering tells us, but some studies show that a person ingests between fifty thousand and one hundred thousand microplastic particles annually.

The particles can be as small as one nanometer - which is a hundred thousand times smaller than the thickness of a strand of hair. But they can be significantly larger and be measured in millimeters.

"Some studies have shown that just one tea bag can release up to a million particles, so all figures should be taken with a grain of salt," says Pantelić.

"In principle, seafood contains the most plastic, simply because of the way they feed by filtering the water. But, considering the amount of plastic waste in the environment, more or less all types of food contain at least traces of plastic," Pantelić told "Vreme".

The path of plastic to the plate

As researchers from the University of Birmingham and the London School of Medicine point out, if the particles are very small and are measured in nanometers, then they are more easily absorbed.

They can be deposited in the brain, liver and other tissues of aquatic species and other animals. For humans, this means potential effects on the central nervous system and the reproductive system.

Plastic, says Pantelić, in two ways. First of all, environmental pollution - that's how plastic gets into the seeds and fruits of plants. It is the same if the air is polluted with plastic particles.

Another way is plastic packaging, in which fruits and vegetables are sometimes transported. Damage, UV radiation and temperature changes lead to microscopic cracks in the plastic that grow over time and release particles.

"For more than half a century, the excessive use of plastic has led to the fact that there is no longer a place on the planet where there are no traces of plastic pollution, from Everest to the Mariana Trench," says Pantelić.

"Due to the sheer amount of waste, even the most conscientious food producers cannot avoid plastic contamination."

As you sow, so you reap.

Since the early 8,3s, when mass production of plastics began, about XNUMX billion tons have been produced, of which three quarters have become waste.

Report data PlasticsEurope indicate that the global annual production of plastic has reached 400 million tons. Plastic does not decompose in nature and thus "forever" poisons nature and organisms.

What then happens in our body? Nutritionist Veroslava Stanković, head of the department at the Academy of Vocational Studies, tells "Vreme" that it has not been sufficiently researched, but there are some findings.

The particles can lead to inflammation or hormonal changes because chemicals like bisphenol A and phthalates, which are often found in plastic, can disrupt hormonal balance.

It also indicates that plastic can absorb other toxic chemicals from the environment, and their ingestion can lead to serious health problems.

"Plastic can serve as a vector for the transport of various polluting substances, which thus more easily reach our organisms," adds Pantelić. The plastic itself is not toxic, but the additives in it are.

The food we buy is subject to various controls and regulations. Stanković explains that Serbia has adopted European standards that should guarantee that packaging does not release harmful substances into food.

"Although regulations are in place, the challenge remains due to the complexity and diversity of food supply chains. This makes it difficult to completely exclude plastic from food," she says.

Returning to roots?

The people can, says Stanković, turn more to local food producers who use less packaging. It is better, he adds, to buy food in glass, cardboard or biodegradable packaging than in plastic.

"Individual actions by consumers can significantly contribute to reducing this problem." With a smart choice and information, everyone can contribute to the reduction of plastic in the diet", says our interlocutor.

As Pantelić emphasizes, we can hardly solve the problem, but we can certainly drastically reduce it. It's good, he says, that it has become a hot topic in scientific circles lately, so work is being done to reduce plastic waste.

"We are not there yet, but we are on the right path," concludes Pantelić.