Plastic has become an integral part of our life. This people-made material served us well, until its pollution became overwhelming. Now the scientists say little microfibers of plastic are found in sea salt, which is in our salt shakers. The reason of this — 12.7 million tonnes of plastic thrown into oceans every year!
The University of Minnesota and professor Mason from the State University of New York at Fredonia tested 12 different kinds of salt available in shops of the USA. The results show there are micro-plastics in all of them. It is also found in beer and drinking water, and an average American may intake about 660 particles of plastic each year.
Today’s food industry offers so much more salty products — fast food, processed food, snacks and soda contains more salt than a person needs.
Though the impact of consumed plastic for health is still unknown. There was no research on this subject, just because it is so hard to find people who have not been contaminated with plastic food pollution. But scientists assume there is a hazard of having plastic in our diets. Micro-plastics could absorb organic pollutants easily and harm people’s body.
Is there a way out? Consuming less salty products sounds like a wise choice every person could make. But whether people have to stop plastic-making and find an alternative solution remains a question for big manufacturers.
