All Indian salt and sugar brands, whether big or small, packaged or unpackaged, contain microplastics, according to a study published on Tuesday 13 august 2024.
The environmental research organization Toxics Link conducted a study named “Microplastics in Salt and Sugar”, tested 10 types of salt — including table salt, rock salt, sea salt and local raw salt — and five types of sugar purchased from both online and local markets.
The study detected microplastics in all salt and sugar samples, appearing in various forms such as fibers, pellets, films, and fragments, with sizes ranging from 0.1 mm to 5 mm. Iodized salt contained the highest levels of microplastics, predominantly in the form of multi-colored thin fibers and films.
The goal of the study was to add to the scientific data on microplastics, helping to ensure that the global plastic treaty addresses the issue effectively and with a clear focus.
Ravi Agarwal, Founder-Director of Toxics Link
We also aim to trigger policy action and attract researchers’ attention to potential technological interventions that could reduce exposure risks to microplastics.
Satish Sinha, Associate Director, Toxics Link
"The study’s discovery of significant microplastic contamination in all salt and sugar samples is alarming and underscores the need for immediate, thorough research into the potential long-term health effects of microplastics on humans." The report highlighted that microplastic concentrations in the salt samples varied between 6.71 and 89.15 pieces per kilogram of dry weight. Iodized salt showed the highest concentration, with 89.15 pieces per kilogram, while organic rock salt had the lowest, at 6.70 pieces per kilogram, according to the study.
In non-organic sugar samples, the highest concentration of microplastics is found which is ranged from 11.85 to 68.25 pieces per kilogram.
Recent research has found microplastics in human organs such as the lungs, heart, and even in breast milk and unborn babies making microplastics a growing global concern, as they can harm both health and the environment.
Earlier research revealed that the average Indian consumes 10.98 grams of salt and approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar daily, which significantly exceeds the intake limits recommended by the World Health Organization.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)
