Indonesian citizens consume the most plastic, the source is unpredictable

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – It is estimated that Indonesians consume around 15 grams of microplastics from food every month. This was revealed in a study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.

Apart from Indonesia, neighboring countries such as Malaysia and the Philippines also top the list of microplastic consumption.

So, where does the plastic that is ingested into our bodies come from?

Here are the main products that can be avoided to reduce exposure to microplastics, as reported by Euro News:

1. Paper cups

Using paper cups for hot drinks can release a number of chemicals, including fluoride, chloride, sulfate, and nitrate. This was revealed in a 2021 study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials.

Choosing a drinking device that is rigid and stainless steel is the right choice. Alcohol containers can also be reused, so they not only benefit the environment but also reduce exposure to microplastics.

2. Tea bags

Surprisingly, many tea bags are made of polypropylene plastic which is not environmentally friendly, and the paper tea bags may even contain traces of plastic in the sealing layer.

In 2023, research published by Dow University of Health Sciences showed how hot water used to brew tea can release millions of microplastics from tea bags. This study revealed that a single cup of tea can contain up to 3.1 billion nanoplastics due to the tea bag.

Tea bags are said to contain dangerous substances, including fluorine compounds, arsenic, radium salts, aluminium, copper, lead, mercury, cadmium, barium and nitrates.

There are many other environmentally friendly options for brewing tea, such as using a metal teapot or a metal strainer. The Plastic Pollution Coalition recommends using cotton tea bags or filtering tea through organic cloth.

3. Plastic ice cube container

Just like the microplastics found in bottled water, plastic ice cube containers can also cause pollution.

Although not much research has been done on this, frozen plastic can cause microplastics to enter the water, similar to the process that occurs with heated plastic, according to a professor interviewed by HealthCentral.

In recent years, more environmentally friendly options such as steel ice cube trays have become popular. Silicone ice cube trays are promoted as a sustainable alternative that is considered healthier.

4. Food containers that can be heated in the microwave

Plastic products labeled ‘microwave safe’ can release large amounts of microplastics into food when heated.

A 2023 study by researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found up to 4 million microplastics per square centimeter in some ‘microwave-safe’ plastic-packaged baby foods.

It is best to avoid products packed with phthalates, styrene, and bisphenols, which are types of chemicals associated with various plastics, according to a paper from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

5. Plastic cutting boards can transfer microplastics to food

Based on research conducted by the American Chemical Society (ACS), plastic cutting boards can expose people to up to 79.4 million polypropylene microplastics or a type of plastic polymer each year. This means that the use of plastic cutting boards has the potential to increase the transfer of microplastics to food.

Durable glass cutting boards are an affordable alternative that are easy to clean and usually free of microplastics. Some brands also offer plastic-free cutting boards made from durable paper fibers.

(mkh/mkh)