Plastic is everywhere. It covers groceries, containers, and sails the oceans thousands of miles away. During the course of time, microplastics can degrade and end up in the soil, water and even food. Scientists are yet to understand the frequency of occurrence and the potential health implications. Although nothing is absolutely definite, there are some professionals who propose to pay increased attention to some objects in the kitchen that people use in the course of their daily lives. It is not a case of panicking and overthrowing everything, but just to be informed. With a minimum of awareness, people could make small and considerate changes without feeling oppressed.
Sea salt
Sea salt can have small plastic particles since it is obtained from the ocean water. In case there is plastic debris in such waters, there may be some small traces left behind following evaporation. This possibility has been proposed in some studies, but the levels may be very different.
Shellfish
Mussels and oysters are also consumed in their entirety, digestive systems and all. As they filter huge volumes of water, they may accumulate microscopic debris. This is a possible source, although the findings are ongoing.
Certain fish
Fish inhabiting polluted water may consume the pieces of plastic. Although most parts of a fish are washed prior to cooking, some small particles might still remain. The extent to which this can be common is still under research by researchers.
Tap water
Small particles may also be present in tap water, depending on the sources of local water and the local water treatment plants. This may be assisted by the aging of pipes or contamination of the environment in certain places. Nevertheless, the quality may change significantly according to the location.
Rice
Rice is cultivated in lands that can be watered using water filled with microplastic particles. Certain theorists indicate that exposure to the environment may contribute to it, though the washing and cooking habits may minimize the possible residue.
Carrots and root vegetables
Root vegetables are directly planted in the soil, and the microplastics may build up as time goes by. It has been contemplated by scientists that plants are able to take in small particles through their roots. The results obtained are speculative as opposed to conclusive.
Honey
Honey could contain environmental particles attached to bees during their movement between flowers. Cities, especially, may expose bees to an increased quantity of air debris. Research has indicated this relationship, but there seem to be varying measures.
Tea bags
Some tea bags are packed in plastic materials to ensure their shape. They may give out tiny particles when immersed in hot water. Sometimes it is recommended to switch to loose-leaf tea or paper-based options; however, further research is required.
Plastic-packaged processed foods
Foods that are packaged and ready to eat are usually packaged in plastic wraps or trays. With time, very small fragments may be deposited off by friction/heat. It is felt that packaging might contribute to varying degrees, but it can be different.
Seaweed
During the growth of seaweed, marine environments may have plastic waste. Since it captures the nutrients directly out of the water, some researchers have also thought that it may similarly capture microplastics. The evidence is still ambivalent and in the process of growth.
