Why Do Southeast Asians Consume Most Microplastics?

June 12, 2024

Researchers at Cornell University recently published a study that put Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines at the top of the list of countries in the world in terms of how much microplastics each person eats. The study in April shows that people in these countries are eating a lot more microplastics, especially when they eat fish.

Microplastic Contamination in Food

Microplastics are very small pieces of plastic that are less than 5 millimeters across. They can come from bigger plastic objects breaking down or products containing small plastics, like cosmetics. Plastics that get into natural water systems, because they are not thrown away properly, are a major source of this kind of pollution. Marine life eventually eats these plastics, which adds to the high levels of plastics found in the food of people living close.

The Pathway of Microplastics into the Human Diet

Normal ways of dealing with trash, like open dumps, haven’t been able to handle the increase in plastic trash in the areas that were studied, which has caused a lot of damage to the environment. As a result, countries like Indonesia and Malaysia throw away more than 30,000 tons of plastic waste every year. Disposal sites often release plastics into rivers and seas through rainwater. These plastics then become part of marine food chains and are mostly eaten by humans via seafood.

Global Inhalation of Microplastics

The same study also looked at microplastics that people breathe in and found that people in China and Mongolia breathe in over 2.8 million particles every month. In contrast, about 300,000 people die in the US each year. These tiny pieces are mostly made when plastics in things like tires and synthetic fabrics wear down. These things can release microplastics into the air while they are being made, washed, and worn.

Implications and Response to Microplastic Pollution

Globally, everyone agrees that microplastic waste is everywhere, even in places that seem to be clean and far away. But it’s still not clear what effect these particles have on human health; more research is needed. Developing areas’ growing industrial activity and use of plastic have made the problem worse, while developed countries, which have better economic means, seem to be better able to handle and lessen the effects.

« Previous Post Next Post »