Sparking heated discussion: Can microplastics in takeout really invade the brain within two hours?

Previously, the topic #Microplastics in takeout can enter the brain within two hours# has attracted widespread attention, which really made everyone sweat and said: "Is it really true that we can no longer eat takeout in the future?" "Plastics are everywhere in our lives, what can we do about it?" Don't worry, today we will take a closer look at microplastics to see what they are, what harm they cause, and how we should deal with them.

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What are microplastics?

Microplastics are super small particles formed by plastics in various processes. How small are they? The smallest is equivalent to 1/500 of the diameter of a hair, and the largest can be seen by the naked eye. The diameter is generally between 0.1-5000 microns. If the diameter is less than 100 nanometers, it is nanoplastic.

Where do microplastics come from?

There are two main sources of microplastics. On the one hand, industrial production produces primary microplastics used as raw materials, such as plastic microbeads in toothpaste and facial cleansers , which play a role in scrubbing, cleaning, puffing, emulsification, etc. On the other hand, secondary microplastics come from various plastic products, especially disposable items, such as plastic bottles, packaging boxes, plastic bags , etc.

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How do microplastics enter the human body?

Microplastics contaminate food and water through environmental pollution, food chain enrichment, and contact material transfer, and then enter our bodies through what we eat and drink.

Drinking water is the worst hit by microplastics. Bottled water, water in paper cups , and even tap water are not immune. In addition, there are also a lot of microplastics in honey, milk, beer, seafood, sugar, rice, fruits and vegetables, animal offal and other foods.

Moreover, a study published in Nature in 2019 found that a person may inhale 16.2 plastic fragments from clothes and air every hour, and the number of microplastic particles ingested per week is equivalent to eating a "bank card".

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These daily necessities contain a lot of microplastics

1. Paper cups and take-away coffee cups: Although they look like they are made of paper, they are lined with plastic film to hold water. When hot drinks are put in them, microplastics will be released crazily. If you take a sip of hot coffee, you may drink microplastics into your stomach.

2. Tea bags: Many tea bags contain plastic . Once soaked in hot water, a large amount of microplastics will escape into the water. The amount of microplastics released from each tea bag is frightening.

3. Plastic cutting board: Lightweight and easy-to-use plastic cutting boards also release microplastics when used, with tens of millions of microplastics released each year.

These operations will increase the intake of microplastics

1. Put plastic products into the microwave: Put disposable packaging boxes and food bags directly into the microwave to heat them. Plastic will degrade under the action of microwaves , releasing more microplastics and nanoplastics. Even if it is made of PP material No. 5 that can be put into the microwave, it will not work if the heating time is too long (more than 3 minutes) or if it is filled with oily food.

2. Repeated use of disposable packaging boxes: Disposable packaging boxes have a shelf life and are not suitable for multiple use. In addition, the high-oil and high-temperature cooking style will cause it to age faster and release harmful substances.

3. Use mineral water bottles to store oil, etc.: Mineral water bottles are mostly made of No. 1 PET material, which will degrade in strong acid or alkaline environments . If vinegar, soy sauce, oil, etc. are stored in them for a long time, harmful substances will dissolve out.

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The harm of microplastics

The toxicity of microplastics themselves is related to many factors. The smaller the particles, the greater the harm. Nanoplastics are even more harmful and can quickly penetrate the placenta and blood-brain barrier. It only takes 2 hours from being ingested to being detected in the brain.

It may also carry toxic and harmful substances and pathogenic microorganisms, affect reproductive and metabolic health, cause intestinal and liver problems, and even be related to respiratory diseases and chronic diseases.

However, the World Health Organization currently says that there is no definite evidence that it directly endangers human health, but this does not mean that there is no harm, it just needs more research.

Ways to reduce microplastic intake

1. Reduce plastic waste at the source: actively promote plastic recycling and reduce plastic use.

2. Prevent pollution during the purchasing process: choose stainless steel, glass, and silicone products for food contact ; when buying food, give priority to primary agricultural products, simple packaging or degradable packaging , and bring your own cloth bags and cartons; when handling food ingredients, wash fruits and vegetables before cutting, and remove the internal organs of seafood and animal food.

3. Choose appropriate tableware: Use glass, ceramic, stainless steel or bamboo and wooden tableware to hold food ; use glass or ceramic containers for take-out or heating in the microwave; choose unprinted stainless steel tableware for children.

4. Pay attention to drinking water, tea and coffee: give priority to stainless steel or glass cups, drink direct drinking water, especially boiled water , and use less tea bags and disposable coffee cups.