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Are You Consuming Microplastics Unknowingly? Immediately Eliminate These Top 5 Sources

Multiple studies point out that you may be unknowingly consuming microplastics from the utensils of your own kitchen. Take a look at the top 5 sources of microplastics.

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Written By: Kinkini Gupta | Updated: July 3, 2024, 3:47 PM

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What Are Microplastics And Why Are They Toxic?

The use of plastic containers has become so widespread in the world that it is now very difficult to track all the sources of microplastics in the environment. What are microplastics and why are they toxic? The origin of microplastics is from larger plastics. Larger plastics break into very small pieces and are ingested by humans as well as animals through various sources. Multiple new studies have pointed out how harmful microplastics are for health. It can lead to infertility, low sperm count, heart consume attacks and also cancer. According to a study conducted in Canada, humans were reported to up to 52,000 microplastic particles per year. Few of the sources of microplastics are present in your own household and here are 5 reasons why you must eliminate them immediately.

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1. Tea Bags

The top source of microplastics may come as shocker. Studies reveal that tea bags contain microplastcis which are being ingested by humans almost every day. The tea bags are made out of unsustainable polypropylene plastic which can transfer microplastcis into your tea. Studies also point out that paper tea bags also could contain traces of plastic in the sealant.  Also Read - Nearly half of 844 million chronic kidney disease cases go undiagnosed worldwide: Early warning signs and who is most at risk

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2. Paper Cups Are Not Sustainable

Paper cups were thought to be sustainable but are evidently not. They too are one of the topmost contributor t plastic contamination and microplastcis. They are made of a layer of plstic sealant which is known to contain up to 10 per cent high-density polyethylene (HDPE), to prevent liquid leakage.

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3. Plastic Ice Trays

Plastic ice trays are also a source of microplastcis. Just like microplastics are transferred into water through plastic water bottle, it can similarly happen with ice trays as well. This may especially happen when the ice trays are in the freezer. It can cause the mircoplastics to leach on to the water from the trays.  Also Read - Air pollution can cause severe brain ageing: Experts warn of a silent epidemic

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4. Plastic Microwaveable Containers

Plastic containers are often labeled as safe for microwaves but are they really safe from microplastics? The answer is no. When heated, these plastics containers can release a huge amount of microplastics which can leach on to the food. According to a study published by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2023, up to 4 million microplastics per square centimeter were found in containers labeled as ‘microwave safe.’ The study found them in plastic-packaged baby foods.

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5. Plastic Chopping Boards

Plastic chopping boards are very unhealthy and are one of the sources of microplastics. A study conducted and published by the American Chemical Society (ACS) revealed that it can lead to the transfer of microplastics in the food that you are about to cook or consume.  Also Read - Glaucoma vs Cataract: Which eye condition is more dangerous?