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.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
US Prez Lauds Effort To Advance Cooperation In Space, Cyber With India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden, during their bilateral meeting in Delaware, recognized the 'remarkable progress' made under the US-India Defense Industrial Cooperation Roadmap.
Thousands Attend Pune Recruitment Drive For Israel Jobs
Thousands of jobseekers flocked to ITI Aundh in Pune for the second round of a recruitment drive by Israel.
Tensions Rise As Israel And Hezbollah Exchange Heavy Fire
The exchange of fire between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated tensions in the Middle East, with Israel launching 400 attacks on Lebanon and Hezbollah firing rockets at a key Israeli base, Ramat David base near the city of Haifa, according to a report by Al Jazeera.
Sangram Singh Becomes First Indian Male Wrestler To Win MMA Fight
International wrestler Sangram Singh made his mark in the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) world by winning his debut fight at the Gama International Fighting Championship in Tbilisi.
Chess Olympiad: Indian men's team beats USA
The Indian men's chess team continued their solid show, moving closer to country's first ever medal in the open category at the ongoing International Chess Federation (FIDE) Chess Olympiad at Budapest on Saturday.
Umesh wins gold; Sukant, Sivarajan, Mandeep claim silver at Indonesia Para-Badminton International
Umesh Vikram secured gold in the SL3 event, while the trio of Sukant Kadam, Sivarajan Solaimalai, and Mandeep Kaur claimed silver medals in their respective categories at the Indonesia Para-Badminton International on Sunday.
Australia make it 14 in a row with thumping victory over England
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 champions Australia defeated hosts, England by 68 runs in the second match of the series at Headingley in Leeds on Saturday and continued the winning streak in ODI cricket, making it their 14th successive victory in the format.
India A crush India C by 132 runs to win Duleep Trophy
Tanush Kotian (3/47) and Prasidh Krishna (3/50) shared six wickets and trumped Sai Sudharsan's valiant 111 as India A defeated India C by 132 runs to win the Duleep Trophy, here on Sunday.
Bumrah, Pant's fitness and form will be crucial to India's chances in Australia: Ian Chappell
Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant must remain injury-free and in top form if India are to achieve a historic hat-trick of series wins Down Under, said former Australia captain Ian Chappell.
'We want to build our team around strong bowling options': Rohit
Indian captain Rohit Sharma on Sunday emphasised on building his team around \"strong bowling options\" in order to take the conditions out of the equation as they gear up for the challenges that lay ahead in the run-up to the World Test Championship.