Hidden perils of microplastics in our daily lives

In the modern era, where technological advancements have intertwined with daily life, the presence of plastic has become an undeniable reality.

- PANKAJ KUMAR MISHRA

From the packaging of our groceries to the storage containers in our kitchens, plastic is everywhere. However, beneath the surface of this convenience lies a growing concern that threatens not just our environment but also our health-microplastics.

Recent studies have unveiled a disturbing reality: microplastics are now pervasive in our food, water, and even the air we breathe. These tiny plastic particles, often less than 5 millimeters in size, have infiltrated every aspect of our lives. They are in the salt we sprinkle on our food, the sugar we add to our tea, and even in the water we drink. The omnipresence of microplastics is not just an environmental issue but a public health crisis that demands urgent attention.

THE UBIQUITY OF MICROPLASTICS

Plastic, once hailed as a miracle material for its versatility and durability, has now become a double-edged sword. The very qualities that make plastic so useful-its durability and resistance to degradation-are also what make it so harmful. When plastic products are discarded, they do not simply disappear; they break down into smaller and smaller particles, eventually becoming microplastics that can persist in the environment for centuries.

A recent report by Toxic Links has brought to light the extent of microplastic contamination in everyday food items like salt and sugar. The findings are alarming: every sample tested was found to contain microplastic particles. The highest contamination was found in iodized salt, with an average of 89.15 microplastic particles per kilogram, while even organic rock salt was not spared, showing a lower but still concerning level of contamination.