Microorganisms are a general term for a class of organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, as well as some small protists, microalgae, etc. They cover a wide range of beneficial and harmful species, and are widely involved in many fields such as food, medicine, industry and agriculture, environmental protection, sports, etc. They have a close relationship with humans. ‌

If we handle or use products that release microplastics, these microplastics will enter the environment and be absorbed by what we eat, “said Professor Elise Granek, an environmental scientist at Pennsylvania State University and the author of this study, in a statement. What we discharge into the environment ultimately returns to our dining tables

Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments with a length of less than 0.2 inches that detach from larger plastic fragments when objects degrade.

Research has shown that microplastics and chemicals may disrupt our hormones and increase the risk of certain cancers.

Scientists have discovered that very small plastic fragments – called micro nano plastics – can enter our cells and interact with our mitochondria and DNA, once again increasing the risk of certain cancers.

Microplastics are commonly found in seafood

How many of these particles have been found in blackstone fish, cod, salmon, Pacific herring, Pacific lamprey, and pink shrimp: these are all important seafood species in Oregon.

Out of 182 seafood samples, 180 were contaminated with anthropogenic particulate matter. Scientists have discovered a total of 1806 such particles in fish and shrimp.

82% of the particulate matter is synthetic clothing fibers; 17% are microplastic fragments; 0.7% is thin film.

These particles were found in edible muscle tissue of seafood, indicating the spread of microplastics and microfibers from the digestive system to other parts of the body.

Associate Professor Susanna Brand, an ecotoxicologist at the College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University and the author of this study, said in a statement, “Microfibrils seem to be transferring from the gut to other tissues such as muscles, which is very concerning. This has broad implications for other organisms, possibly including humans.

Scientists have not concluded that people should avoid consuming seafood, but rather that microplastics are ubiquitous in our environment and cannot be avoided.

Tea bags release harmful microorganisms

Some tea bags release billions of tiny plastic particles when soaked in hot water, and the tea made from these particles can harm your health and increase the risk of cancer, but not all teas are equally dangerous.

A recent study by Universitat Aut ò noma de Barcelona (UAB) in Spain has discovered the potential effects of several different tea bags on human cells. Scientists have found that some tea bags release approximately 1.2 billion plastic particles per drop (or milliliter) of tea when brewed with hot water.

Drinking tea with tea bags containing plastic may expose you to billions of nanoplastics and microplastics every time you drink tea, posing a threat to your health. Many tea bags contain small amounts of tiny plastic particles called microplastics. When these particles come into contact with hot water, they are released into the tea and ultimately consumed.

Tea bags containing polypropylene release approximately 1.2 billion plastic particles per drop (or milliliter) of tea water. Tea bags containing cellulose release 135 million particles per drop, while tea bags containing nylon 6 release 8.18 million particles per drop.

Then, scientists stain these particles and expose them to various cells in the human gut to track how they interact after being ingested into the body.

After 24 hours, a specific digestive cell that produces mucus in the intestine absorbs a large amount of microplastics and nanoplastics. These plastics even entered the nuclei of some of these cells, where genetic material is stored.

What is the safest way to drink tea?

If you want to avoid consuming plastic, some tea bags are better than others. The tea bags studied by Barcelona scientists contain polypropylene, cellulose, and nylon, but there are many non plastic tea bags in stores.

To confirm if your tea bag does not contain plastic, please check the packaging. Plastic free brands may use this label in their marketing, so please check labels such as’ plastic free ‘,’ biodegradable ‘, and’ compostable ‘.

If the box says “PP” (polypropylene), “PET” (polyethylene terephthalate), or “nylon”, it indicates that the tea bag contains plastic.

Another way to avoid plastic in tea is to switch to loose leaf tea and use plastic free tea filters, such as those made of stainless steel.

Cosmetics and skincare products are the main sources of microplastic pollution.

Although facial scrubs and cleansers have received much attention for their use of microbeads and other plastics (which have been banned in many countries), non wash products such as moisturizers, sunscreens, disinfectants, and lipsticks have received much less scrutiny.

Anna Kukkola, a researcher in Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham, told Newsweek, “According to formulas, some products intentionally add microplastics to achieve specific effects. However, the amount and characteristics of microplastics in cosmetics and personal care products, except for facial scrubs and toothpaste, are still largely unknown.

Why are microplastics so dangerous?

Items made of plastic will decompose and release tiny plastic particles, especially under specific conditions such as when the plastic is heated or scratched.

Professor Chris Elliott, head of the Department of Food Safety at Queen’s University Belfast, told Newsweek: ‘Evidence of human exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics (NMP) through various food and beverage sources is increasing, and this evidence will continue to grow as more potential sources are investigated.’.

The identification of tea bags as’ high-risk ‘items that require special attention is far from certain, but we all need to be aware that we will read more stories about exposure to NMP and its related adverse health effects

Plastic releases a chemical substance called endocrine disruptor, which is believed to disrupt human hormones and increase the risk of certain cancers.

How to avoid microplastics in food?

Some foods are more likely to contain microplastics. Fish can absorb plastics from contaminated water, while processed foods typically contain higher levels of microplastics due to contact with plastics during the manufacturing process.

some simple methods to reduce exposure.

1.Reduce plastic contact

Avoiding food that comes into contact with plastic is a key strategy. The most effective way to reduce exposure to plastic is to avoid using it as much as possible, “Lange suggested. The use of alternatives such as glass, stainless steel, or wooden cutting boards may vary.

2.Avoid heating plastic

Do not heat food in plastic containers, as heating can cause harmful chemicals to seep into the food inside the container. Cooking writer Adam James Pollock told Newsweek, “Heating plastic accelerates the entry of particulate matter into food

3.Choose sustainable food storage

Use reusable glass or stainless steel containers to store food.

4.Filter your water

Drinking tap water and using high-quality water filters can reduce pollutants, including microplastics. Pollock emphasized the importance of clean water, saying, “Filtering tap water is a simple way to avoid these particles

5.Pay attention to the selection of food

Eating organic and minimally processed foods can reduce exposure to microplastics. Processed foods and fish typically contain high concentrations of microplastics, “Lange said. Organic food, especially those with clear labels, can help minimize risks.

How to remove microplastics from the body

Although microplastics are difficult to completely eliminate, supporting the body’s natural detoxification process can help:

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can eliminate toxins.

Eating fiber rich foods: A high fiber diet helps with digestion and excretion of waste.

Regular exercise: Physical activity can enhance blood circulation and detoxify.

Support liver health: Add detoxifying foods such as green leafy vegetables and turmeric to your diet.