Introduction to Microplastics in Drinks
What’s lurking at the bottom of your glass? According to a new study, it might be more than just melted ice or leftover pulp. Researchers from the University of Birmingham tested 155 samples of popular beverages sold in UK supermarkets and coffee shops and found microplastics in every single one.
What are Microplastics?
Microplastics — tiny fragments of plastic ranging from 1 nanometer to 5 millimeters — are what’s left behind when bigger plastic pieces break down over time. They can be found everywhere, from cleaning products, clothes and cosmetics to the air we breathe and the food we eat. These invisible invaders have even turned up inside human bodies, sparking growing concerns about what they might be doing to our health.
Study Findings
Researchers tested 31 different beverages — including coffee, tea, energy drinks, soda and juice — filtering the samples in a lab and analyzing them under a microscope. “We found a ubiquitous presence of microplastics in all the cold and hot drinks we looked at, which is pretty alarming,” Mohamed Abdallah, the study’s lead author, told The Independent.
Hot tea prepared in disposable cups had the highest concentration of microplastics.
Notably, however, the drinks served at higher temperatures contained significantly more microplastics than their cooler counterparts.
Concentration of Microplastics in Different Drinks
Hot tea topped the charts, with an average of 49 to 81 microplastics per liter — more than double the 24 to 38 found in iced tea. Hot coffee came in second, ranging from 29 to 57 microplastics per liter, edging out iced coffee’s 31 to 43. The findings suggest that heat speeds up the release of plastic particles from packaging, driving the higher count in hot drinks. Hot tea served in disposable cups had the most microplastics overall, averaging 22 particles per cup compared to 14 per cup when brewed in glass containers.
Comparison of Microplastic Levels in Cold Drinks
Still, cold drinks weren’t squeaky clean. Fruit juice contained between 19 and 41 micro!astics per liter, while energy drinks had slightly fewer, ranging from 14 to 36. Soft drinks had the lowest levels, averaging 13 to 21 microplastics per liter. Soft drinks had the lowest microplastic levels, with even fewer found in those packaged in aluminum cans.
Impact of Microplastics on Human Health
Curious about how much plastic we actually swallow, the researchers also surveyed more than 200 adults in the UK about their daily drink habits. On average, they found that women consume about 1.7 microplastic particles per kilogram of body weight each day, while men take in roughly 1.6. And that’s just from drinks. The full impact of microplastic ingestion on human health remains unclear, but scientists have found these particles building up in our blood, brains, kidneys, lungs, livers, testicles and placentas, among other organs and tissues.
Potential Risks of Microplastic Ingestion
Studies suggest microplastics can damage cells, disrupt gut bacteria and trigger inflammation — all of which could throw off our immune system and speed up the aging process. They can also carry harmful chemicals like heavy metals and hormone disruptors, which may leach into the body and interfere with processes like reproduction and metabolism.
Call to Action
Given these potential long-term risks, Abdallah told The Independent there “should definitely be legislative action” to limit human exposure to microplastics. “They’re everywhere,” he emphasized.
Conclusion
Fortunately, the study suggests a simple way to reduce the amount of plastic in your drinks: keep them cold. By choosing cold drinks over hot ones and opting for glass or aluminum containers, consumers can lower their exposure to microplastics. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of microplastic ingestion on human health, and policymakers must take action to reduce plastic pollution in our environment.
FAQs
- Q: What are microplastics?
A: Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic that range from 1 nanometer to 5 millimeters in size. - Q: Where are microplastics found?
A: Microplastics can be found everywhere, including in cleaning products, clothes, cosmetics, air, food, and even inside human bodies. - Q: Which drinks have the highest concentration of microplastics?
A: Hot tea prepared in disposable cups has the highest concentration of microplastics, followed by hot coffee. - Q: How can I reduce my exposure to microplastics in drinks?
A: Choosing cold drinks over hot ones and opting for glass or aluminum containers can help lower your exposure to microplastics. - Q: What are the potential risks of microplastic ingestion?
A: Microplastics can damage cells, disrupt gut bacteria, trigger inflammation, and carry harmful chemicals that may interfere with bodily processes.
