Study reveals: microplastics in glass bottles are more dangerous than in plastic!

Study reveals: microplastics in glass bottles are more dangerous than in plastic!

A recent study funded by the Food Authority and the Hauts-France region discovered that microplastics are present at alarming levels in glass bottled drinks. The study took place in the laboratory in Boulogne-sur-Mer, northern France. The results show that drinks in glass bottles contain on average around 100 particles of microplastics, which exceeds the content in plastic bottles or metal cans by five to fifty times. It was found that the microplastic particles mainly come from the paint on the metal closures, the crown caps, and that these often have fine scratches caused by improper storage.

The study urgently recommends better cleaning of the bottle caps in order to reduce microplastic particles by up to 60 percent. The food authority is also calling for changes to the storage conditions and the painting of the closures to increase the safety of the drinks. These findings could have far-reaching consequences for the packaging industry and retail by highlighting the need to minimize microplastics in food and beverages. Small newspaper reports that the study is embedded in a larger context of current research on the health effects of microplastics.

Background on microplastics

Microplastics are a central topic in environmental and health research. Although microplastic particles are ubiquitous in nature, their effects on human health are largely unexplored. Loud Thermoplastic composites Microplastic particles can enter the human body through food and water. Studies show that they can cause inflammatory effects and hormonal disruptions, and may even pose an increased risk of cancer.

The health risks of microplastics particularly affect vulnerable groups, such as children and pregnant women. There is also evidence that microplastics have negative effects on the immune system and can increase the risk of chronic diseases. Microplastics enter the human organism through the ingestion of contaminated food, water and inhalation of dust particles and have been detected in the lungs, the gastrointestinal tract and even in the blood.

Research and education

In order to better understand the risks of microplastics, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has been carrying out research projects since 2013. The research began with analyzing microplastics in mussels and oysters and has now expanded to include human health. Various studies published in scientific journals also examined the possible absorption of microplastics into human cells. The results of the junior nanotoxicology group are incorporated into numerous dissertations, and research is continued continuously.

The BfR has recognized that educating and raising awareness among the population regarding the risks of microplastics is crucial. Current surveys show a growing interest and increasing concern among the population about microplastics in food. As part of cooperation projects, information on risk assessments and information needs of citizens was collected in order to further promote education about these health risks.

Overall, the research makes it clear that collective action is needed to minimize exposure to microplastics. The use of unpackaged products and sustainable packaging could help reduce the amount of microplastics in our environment and therefore also in our bodies. However, the issue remains complex and requires further studies to obtain a comprehensive picture of the impact on human health.