Microplastics found in salt and sugar in the country

New Delhi – All Indian salt and sugar brands, whether packaged or unpackaged, contain microplastics, according to a study published by Toxics Link, an environmental research organization. ‘Microplastics’ means small particles of plastic.

1. The study identified various forms of microplastics, including fibres, pellets, films, and fragments, in all salt and sugar samples. The size of these microplastics ranged from 0.1 mm to 5 mm. Iodised salt was found to have the highest concentration of microplastics, particularly in the form of multi-coloured thin fibres and films.

2. The concentration of microplastics in salt samples ranged from 6.71 to 89.15 pieces per kilogramme. Iodised salt had the highest concentration at 89.15 pieces per kilogramme, while organic rock salt had the lowest at 6.70 pieces per kilogramme.

3. In sugar samples, the concentration ranged from 11.85 to 68.25 pieces per kilogramme, with non-organic sugar showing the highest levels of microplastics.

4. Microplastics have become a growing global concern due to their potential harm to both health and the environment. These tiny plastic particles can enter the human body through food, water, and air. Recent research has detected microplastics in human organs, including the lungs, heart, breast milk, and even in unborn babies.

5. Ravi Agarwal, founder-director of Toxics Link, “The objective of our study was to contribute to the existing scientific database on microplastics so that the global plastic treaty can address this issue in a concrete and focused manner.” He emphasized the need for policy action and research on technological interventions to reduce microplastic exposure risks.

Editorial Perspective

Is there any such a thing left which has no plastic particles ? Science has discovered plastic and how it is adversely affecting nature and humans. This proves that such Science leads to degradation !