Kompas.com – Microplastic is now found in almost all aspects of life, including food and drinks that are often consumed. Unwittingly, this small particle can enter the body every day.
Study in journals Brain Medicine (4/3/2025) revealed that humans are exposed to thousands of microplastic particles every day. Packaged water, processed foods, and plastic containers are the main sources of contamination.
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According to this study, microplastic can even pass through the brain barrier and enter the vital organs. If it continues to accumulate in the body, these particles have the potential to increase the risk of health problems.
This article will discuss simple ways to reduce microplastic exposure from food and drinks. With these steps, we can reduce the risk of plastic contamination in the body.
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1. Reduce drinking bottled water
Recent studies reveal that bottled water contains thousands of microplastic particles, making it one of the main causes of the entry of plastic into the body.
Inner research Brain Medicine shows that one liter of bottled water contains an average of 240,000 plastic particles, especially nanoplastic which is smaller than a strand of human hair.
As an alternative, it’s better to consume boiled water or filtered tap water. Although it still contains microplastic, the amount is far less than bottled water.
2. Avoid plastic containers for food
Plastic containers are often used to store food because they are practical and cheap. However, plastic can release microplastic, especially when exposed to heat.
According to Sherri Masonfreshwater researcher and plastic pollution from Gannon University Pennsylvania, all foods that are packaged in plastic are at risk of microplastic contamination.
Instead, use a glass container or stainless steel to store food. Also choose products that are packaged in glass or paper rather than plastic.
Illustration of used tea bags.
3. Avoid plastic tea bags
Some brands of tea bags use nylon or pet plastic bags. When brewed with hot water, this bag can release billions of microplastic particles into tea.
The study found that one nylon tea bag can release more than 11 billion microplastic particles and 3 billion nanoplastic particles into water.
To be safer, choose a tea bag made from paper or plant fiber. Another way is to brew tea with loose tea leaves that are free of plastic.
4. Use a glass container when heating food
Heating food in a plastic container in the microwave can release millions of microplastic particles. Hot temperatures speed up the release of particles from plastic into food.
According to Food Packaging Forumheating plastic food for three minutes can release more than 4 million microplastic and 2 billion nanoplastic.
