Study revealed: microplastics in glass bottles more dangerous than in plastic!

Study revealed: microplastics in glass bottles more dangerous than in plastic!

In a recent study, which was financed by the food authority and the Hauts-France region, it was discovered that microplastics occur in alarming extent in drinks made of glass bottles. The investigation took place in the laboratory in Boulogne-sur-Mer, northern France. The results show that drinks in glass bottles contain an average of about 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 color on the metal closures, the crown caps and that they often have fine scratches caused by improper storage.

The study urgently recommends that the crown corks cleaned better to reduce the microplastic particles by up to 60 percent. The food authority also calls for changes in 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 trade by pointing out the need to minimize microplastics in food and drinks. Kleine Zeitung reports that the study is definitely embedded in a greater context of current research on the health effect of microplasty.

background to microplastics

microplastics is a central topic in environmental and health research. Although microplastic particles are omnipresent in nature, the effects on the health of people are largely unexplored. According to Thermoplastic composites , microplastic particles can get into the human body via food and water. Studies show that they can cause inflammatory effects and hormonal disorders, possibly even an increased risk of cancer.

The health risks of microplastics affect particularly vulnerable groups, such as children and pregnant women. There is also indications that microplastics have a negative impact on the immune system and can increase the risk of chronic diseases. The absorption of contaminated foods, water and by inhaling dust particles, microplastics come to the human organism and was demonstrated 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 conducting research projects since 2013. The examinations began with the analysis of microplastics in mussels and oysters and have now expanded to the health of people. In various studies published in scientific journals, the possible intake of microplastics in human cells was also examined. Results of the youth group nanotoxicology flow into numerous dissertations, and research is continuously continued.

The BFR has recognized that the reconnaissance and sensitization of the population is decisive with regard to the risks of microplastics. Current surveys show a growing interest and increasing disturbance by the population about microplastics in food. As part of cooperation projects, information on risk assessments and information needs of the citizens was raised in order to further advance the information about these health risks.

Overall, research illustrates that collective measures are necessary to minimize exposure to microplastics. The use of unpacked products and sustainable packaging could help to reduce the microplastic content in our environment and thus also in our body. However, the topic remains complex and requires further studies to get a comprehensive picture of the effects on human health.