Microplastics are hundreds of invisible particles that enter our bodies every day with food and drink. They leach into our food from our kitchenware, packaging, and even the water we drink. Today, microplastics are found everywhere: in meat, fish, vegetables, eggs, honey, bread, and salt. But despite their uncontrolled presence in the environment, there are ways to reduce their consumption.
Studies show that cooking on plastic surfaces or in non-stick cookware releases microplastic particles that, when heated, penetrate the food. A similar situation occurs with plastic in bottles - every time you twist the lid, hundreds of particles are released into the water.
Ultra-processed foods pose a particular threat — the more complex the manufacturing process, the more contact with plastic and the greater the likelihood of contamination. A study in 109 countries showed that we consume six times more microplastics today than in 1990.
Tap water is no exception – microplastics are detected in all tap water samples. But using filters, particularly carbon filters, can reduce their amount by up to 90%. What’s worse – adding tea in a plastic bag can “enrich” the drink with billions of plastic particles.
Kitchen life also plays a role: plastic cutting boards, dishes, sponges, blenders - all these are sources of invisible fragments that wear out over time and get into food. Even silicone, which is considered safer, can release microplastics at high temperatures.
Although microplastics have been detected even in human blood, placenta, and brain, science still has no clear answers about their effects. It is likely that some of the particles are excreted from the body, but their cumulative effect remains questionable.
What you can do today:
– refuse damaged plastic dishes;
– use glass, steel or ceramics;
– rinse food when possible;
– avoid ultra-processed foods;
– use water filters.
Microplastics have already become a part of our lives, but their presence in our diet can be reduced with simple solutions — and that's where controlling the invisible threat begins.
