If eating shellfish isn’t the only way we ingest microplastic, which is the rest?

A research review published in 2019 stated that Americans ingest at least 74,000 microplastic particles every year through the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we inhale. So what has been the general research so far based on the different methods of microplastic consumption?

• Via drinking water. Because there’s no proper filtration system in place, people who meet their recommended water intake through tap water ingest an additional 4,000 plastic particles annually. That being said, this number of particles seems small once you consider how those who drink bottled water ingest an additional 90,000 microplastics each year!
• Via air. It’s been found that microplastics are airborne. Overall, it is estimated that around 20,000 pieces of microplastics are inhaled by a single person each year.
• Via food. This is particularly through seafood consumption since fish and other aquatic animals are more likely to ingest microplastics. However, due to a lack of research, there is insufficient information to assess the true amount of microplastics humans may be exposed to via food”.

But what exactly are the effects of microplastics on humans? 

Studies show that microplastics may accumulate and have a toxic effect on our immune system. However, there is not enough evidence to support such a claim and further research is needed to understand the possible health effects on humans.