A recent study conducted by Toxics Link has unveiled a disturbing reality: all Indian salt and sugar brands, both packaged and unpackaged, contain micro plastics. These contaminants were found in products sold online and in local markets. The study’s findings are especially alarming for consumers who rely on iodized salt, as it was found to contain a higher concentration of micro plastics in the form of multicoloured thin fibres and films.
KEY FINDINGS
The Toxics Link study titled “MICROPLASTICS IN SALT AND SUGAR” presents several key findings that highlight the extent of micro plastic contamination in these essential kitchen staples.
Micro plastic Concentration
The concentration and size of micro plastics varied across the different salt samples. The study found micro plastics ranging from 6.71 to 89.15 pieces per kilogram of dry weight. The size of these particles ranged from 0.1 mm to 5 mm. The micro plastics appeared in various forms, including fibres, pellets, films, and fragments.
Highest Contamination in Iodized Salt
The highest concentration of micro plastics (89.15 pieces per kg of dry weight) was detected in a packaged iodized salt sample. On the other hand, the lowest concentration (6.70 pieces per kg of dry weight) was found in an organic rock salt sample. This stark contrast raises questions about the safety and quality control measures in place for these products.
Micro plastic Colours and Forms
The micro plastics found in the salt and sugar samples were of eight different colours: transparent, white, blue, red, black, violet, green, and yellow. In sugar samples, the size of micro plastics varied from 0.1 mm to 5 mm and was mostly in the form of fibres, followed by films and pellets.
Sugar Samples Also Contaminated
Among the five sugar samples tested, the lowest number of micro plastic pieces was found in an organic sugar sample (11.85 pieces per kg). The highest concentration, however, was 68.25 pieces per kg in a non-organic sugar sample. This finding suggests that even organic products are not entirely free from contamination.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH
The presence of micro plastics in everyday food items like salt and sugar is a serious public health concern. Micro plastics and nanoplastics are known to release harmful chemicals that can cause various health problems, including reproductive disorders, developmental delays, and cancer in humans.
Tiny plastic particles enter the human body through food, water, and air. Recent studies have even found micro plastics in human internal organs, including the lungs, heart, breast milk, bloodstream, and foetal placental tissues. The ingestion of these particles can lead to inflammation, cancer of the lungs, heart attacks, endocrine disruption, weight gain, insulin resistance, and infertility.
THE INDIAN CONTEXT: HIGH CONSUMPTION RATES
India’s high consumption rates of salt and sugar exacerbate the risks posed by micro plastic contamination. Earlier studies have shown that an average Indian consumes 10.98 grams of salt and approximately 10 spoons of sugar daily, which is significantly higher than the World Health Organization‘s recommended limits. Given these high consumption rates, the potential for micro plastic ingestion is alarmingly high.
CALLS FOR ACTION
Toxics Link’s study is a wake-up call for policymakers, researchers, and the public. Ravi Agarwal, Founder Director of Toxics Link, emphasized the need for a global plastic treaty to address the issue of micro plastic contamination in a concrete and focused manner. The study aims to trigger policy action and attract the attention of researchers for possible technological interventions to reduce the exposure risks to micro plastics.
Satish Sinha, Associate Director of Toxics Link, expressed concern over the substantial amount of micro plastics found in all salt and sugar samples. He called for urgent, comprehensive research into the long-term health impacts of micro plastics on human health. The findings underscore the need for stricter regulations and better monitoring of food products to ensure they are free from harmful contaminants.
METHODOLOGY AND SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study involved purchasing ten varieties of commonly used salts, including table salt, rock salt, sea salt, and local raw salt, along with five sugar samples. These samples were obtained both online and from local markets. Out of the ten salt samples, three were packaged iodized salt, three were rock salt (including two organic brands), two were sea salt, and two were local brands. Among the sugar samples, only one was organic.
TOXICS LINK
Toxics Link is an Indian environmental research and advocacy organization established in 1996. The organization is dedicated to disseminating information to strengthen the campaign against toxic pollution, provide cleaner alternatives, and bring together groups and people affected by this issue.