Microplastics in the food chain: How harmful are they?

Although it is difficult to imagine at first, microplastics are present in our everyday lives. We ingest, inhale and consume them without even knowing. Such plastics contain chemical additives that can lead to serious health problems, like:

• cancer
• infertility
• neurodevelopmental disorders
• asthma
• liver dysfunction
• vision failure
• allergies
• lungs problem
• food poisoning

What’s more, microplastics in our body attract harmful microorganisms that can lead to infections.

There are various studies showing that microplastics have been found in our food, such as seafood, honey and even vegetables! In effect, the EU aims at limiting the use of some materials, banning intentionally added microplastics (e.g. in cosmetics), improving plastic waste management and the way plastic products are created.

For more detailed information on how microplastics get into our food and our organisms, check Module 2 on our e-learning platform.