Estimating the annual number of microplastics humans consume through food and water
In short: A review of 26 studies involving over 3,600 processed samples found that Americans may ingest between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles annually through food alone. When accounting for inhalation, these estimates rise significantly, and those relying solely on bottled water may ingest much higher quantities than those drinking tap water.
By analyzing 402 data points from the American diet, researchers estimated annual consumption based on roughly 15% of caloric intake. The study also explored how inhalation and water sources impact these totals. However, the researchers noted that these figures are likely underestimates due to significant variation and existing data limitations.
Why it matters: Microplastic exposure through diet and water is measurable, but current estimates likely underrepresent the true scale of ingestion.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Research: Cox et al. (2019). Human Consumption of Microplastics. Environmental Science & Technology.
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