Bandung, IndonesiaSentinel.com — Indonesia’s microplastic consumption rate has earned a concerning distinction in terms of environmental and public health. A recent study has found that Indonesians consume more microplastics, a tiny plastic particle that pollutes the environment, than any other population in the world.
The study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, revealed that Indonesians ingest around 15 grams of microplastics per month, largely from water sources, including seafood.
Experts have noted that this figure has surged by 59 times between 1990 and 2018. Indonesia’s consumption even surpasses that of the United States, where the average is approximately 2.4 grams per month.
“Indonesia is higher than in other countries, with most plastic particles originating from water sources like seafood. This represents a 59-fold increase in daily microplastic consumption from 1990 to 2018,” the study reported.
Health Risks of Microplastic Consumption
Dr. Meryl “Mimi” Kallman, MD, Clinical & Scientific Lead at AsaRen, explained that microplastics in food pose potential health risks, with inflammation being one of the primary concerns.
“Microplastic consumption through food carries potential health risks. Several studies have shown a connection between microplastics and inflammation, as well as potential toxicity,” Dr. Kallman stated, as quoted from CNBC Indonesia.
She further noted that microplastics have been detected in human blood in several studies, heightening the possibility of inflammation.
“Microplastics can be found in the bloodstream, leading to inflammation,” Dr. Kallman explained. However, she emphasized that the long-term health effects of microplastic exposure remain unclear and require further research. Microplastics in food are a relatively new phenomenon still under investigation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has echoed these concerns, stating that research on the health impacts of microplastics remains limited and inconclusive. Nevertheless, certain types of plastic, such as polystyrene, have been shown to kill human cells, cause intestinal inflammation, and reduce fertility in animal studies involving mice.
Microplastics in Everyday Products
Additional studies have uncovered that, on average, bottled water contains around 240,000 tiny plastic particles, including nanoplastics and microplastics. Further research has also found traces of microplastics in root vegetables like radishes and carrots, raising concerns about the pervasive nature of plastic contamination in the food chain.
As the presence of microplastics in everyday products continues to grow, public health officials and environmental scientists stress the need for continued research and solutions to mitigate these risks.
(Raidi/Agung)
