Microplastics infiltrate our food chain: Found in 75% of animal products and blood samples
1:41 PM EST, December 21, 2023
Microplastics are virtually ubiquitous. Evidence has been found of their presence in a diverse range of places like our shower gel, rainwater, even the human fetus. It is increasingly hard to predict where they might not be.
A recent study aimed to assess the presence of microplastics in animal products and the blood of farm animals.
Microplastics in animal meat
The investigation was carried out by scientists from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA) in the Netherlands. They collected blood samples from a dozen cows and pigs each. The scientists also tested the meat and dairy products derived from these animals.
What were their findings? Microplastics were detected in three-quarters of the animal products tested, as well as in the blood samples of the animals. But animal products and blood samples aren't the only places where they found traces of plastics.
Microplastics in animal blood
Traces of pollution also surfaced in animal feed samples, which is likely how the microplastics found their way into the animals' blood and milk. Some might find it surprising, given that the milk didn't even come into contact with plastic packaging; it was obtained through hand milking.
If you're curious as to why microplastics have turned up not only in animal blood but also in the products we purchase from a store, the answer is quite simple. Plastic residue can get into these products due to the plastic-based feed consumed by the animals, as well as from the plastic packaging they come in contact with.
Microplastics in animal products - is there something we can do?
While researchers are still exploring how microplastics found in animal-derived food affect our health, preliminary research published in 2021 in the "Journal of Hazardous Materials" demonstrates that microplastics can cause damage to human cells in laboratory conditions.
Considering this situation, what can be done? The answer isn't straightforward. On one hand, it would definitely be beneficial to reduce our overall plastic consumption. This could potentially retard its break down and its subsequent journey into the bodies of animals and humans. However, given that microplastics are present even in the air we breathe, total avoidance seems to be a tremendous challenge at best.
