Have you ever thought that the fish in your dish might be more harmful for your body than you think? A study revealed that all seafood contained plastic particles in tests. And these microscopic plastic bits are smaller than a quarter of an inch. They contaminate our food, water, and even the air we breathe. Serious questions have been raised about their potential dangers to human health.  

Quantity of plastic in seafood 

A study led by Dr. Susanne Brander at Oregon State University has shown that 99 percent of tested seafood had plastic in their edible tissues. The team believes these microplastics may bypass an organism’s digestive system and accumulate in other tissues. The smaller fish and shellfish, like the commonly consumed pink shrimp, were found to contain significantly higher levels of microplastics as compared to the larger species. 

Health risks of such plastic exposure 

Scientists claim that there’s no known limit for microplastic contamination in food. Even though some studies link these pollutants and organ inflammation and cellular stress. More research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of plastic particles on human health. Furthermore, these particles can sometimes attract and carry toxins. It may compound the potential danger for frequent seafood consumers who may accumulate higher levels of these plastics. 

Is avoiding seafood totally a solution? 

Fish is present in numerous other products we consume. While the findings are a bit concerning, experts advise against completely removing fish from our diets. Plastic contamination is now so pervasive that its traces are found in a wide range of foods and drinks. As Dr. Granek explained, environmental pollution ultimately ends up in our food. Therefore, simply avoiding fish won’t solve the larger issue of plastic contamination. 

Some ways to reduce the exposure 

1. Rinsing and cleaning-  
   To avoid the particles is to rinse seafood before cooking or eating. Rinsing seafood under running water removes surface microplastics acquired during processing or packaging. 

2. Proper storage- 
   One can minimize further contamination by using glass or paper containers instead of plastic. Because plastic can shed particles. Glass offers a reusable, non-reactive option, and paper is biodegradable and plastic-free.  

3. Microfibers- 
   Addressing the microfibers released during laundry is important. By using or promoting washing machines, their filters can trap these tiny threads. It will prevent them from polluting our waterways. 

References-  
The insights were published in Frontiers in Technology.  
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/toxicology/articles/10.3389/ftox.2024.1469995/full