Plastic in the Ocean and on Our Plates: What Are the Risks to Human Health?

Micro- and Nano-Plastics in Seafood: An Invisible Threat to Human Health

It’s no secret: when we savour a delicious piece of fish or a platter of seafood, we’re not just consuming valuable omega-3s and vitamin D. Alongside these benefits come less appetising elements — countless micro- and nano-plastics.

The Problem

These plastic particles, measuring less than 5 millimetres, enter our oceans through human waste and penetrate the food chain. According to an Ifremer study, around 24,400 billion microplastics are floating on the ocean’s surface. These particles are found in all marine organisms — from microalgae to fish, which occupy higher levels of the food chain. This phenomenon not only threatens marine ecosystems but also raises concerns about potential risks to human health.

Micro- and Nano-Plastics: An Invisible Threat

Since the 1950s, plastic production has grown exponentially, reaching 58 million tonnes in Europe in 2022 alone. This has led to massive amounts of waste. Over time, wind, waves, sunlight and microorganisms break down larger plastic waste into microplastics (1–5 mm) and nanoplastics (smaller than 100 nanometers), which now contaminate all parts of the environment, including the air, soil and water.

The Impact on Marine Life

These ingestions have serious consequences. Studies show that microplastics can cause toxic effects in marine animals. For instance, in mussels, microplastics can block digestive systems, activate immune responses, cause DNA damage and interfere with the expression of genes essential to various cellular functions.

Risks to Human Health

Frequent seafood consumers are estimated to ingest thousands of microplastic particles annually. Although research on the precise health effects on humans is ongoing, some troubling hypotheses have emerged. Once inside the human body, these particles may cause damage similar to that observed in fish. Studies on human cells indicate that micro- and nano-plastics can disrupt cellular functions in ways akin to the effects seen in marine organisms. Scientists are particularly concerned about the toxic impacts of plastic additives.

Conclusion

The urgency to tackle plastic bioaccumulation in the food chain cannot be overstated. By taking swift action to limit plastic usage and improve recycling technologies, we can slow the progression of this environmental and health crisis.

FAQs

Q: How do micro- and nano-plastics enter the food chain?
A: Micro- and nano-plastics enter the food chain through human waste and penetrate the food chain, eventually making their way into seafood.

Q: What are the effects of micro- and nano-plastics on marine life?
A: Micro- and nano-plastics can cause toxic effects in marine animals, including blocking digestive systems, activating immune responses, causing DNA damage, and interfering with gene expression.

Q: What are the risks to human health?
A: Frequent seafood consumers are estimated to ingest thousands of microplastic particles annually, which may cause damage similar to that observed in fish and disrupt cellular functions.

Q: What can be done to address this issue?
A: Swift action is needed to limit plastic usage and improve recycling technologies to slow the progression of this environmental and health crisis.