Australian researchers have debunked common misconceptions surrounding seafood consumption, revealing microplastic exposure is far greater from indoor air and dust than from a fish diet.
Two Australian experts are part of a group of international researchers who have debunked common misconceptions surrounding seafood consumption and microplastics exposure.
The University of Adelaide’s School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute Dr Nina Wootton and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders are part of an international team who have co-authored the scientific manuscript Examining Misconceptions about Plastic-Particle Exposure from Ingestion of Seafood and Risk to Human Health published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters.
The paper’s findings have been astounding, revealing microplastic exposure is far greater from indoor air and dust than from a seafood diet.
It also found the release of contaminants from eating seafood were often below levels of toxicological concern.
Their review highlighted more than 70 per cent of scientific and media coverage on microplastics in food has focused on seafood, contributing to the public perception that eating fish is the biggest risk.
"Seafood, including mussels and oysters and finfish like salmon and cod, may contribute 1-10 microplastic particles per day, which is consistent with other foods, like salt, honey and chicken,” says Nina.
“Ingestion from bottled water is estimated at 10-100 particles per day, and exposure from indoor air accounts for considerably higher exposure – 100-1000 particles per day.”
Bronwyn emphasised the importance of putting in perspective the risks associated with microplastics.
“There is minimal evidence that microplastics pose a health risk. The evidence we do have indicates that plastic particles readily pass through the digestive tract and exit the body,” says Bronwyn.
While there are perceptions that toxic substances associated with plastic particles may pose health risks, evidence indicates concentrations are actually exceedingly low compared to other sources of exposure.”
In 2022, FRDC supported Nina and Bronwyn to attend the Microplastic and Seafood: Human Health Symposium in Edinburgh, Scotland (FRDC projects 2022-054 and 2022-055).
A premier event providing a global platform for scientists to share their research on microplastics and seafood, and how this may be affecting human health, it was here, where the initial stages of the manuscript took shape.
The duo said having the opportunity to attend this symposium as emerging researchers was integral to developing the manuscript as it gave them the opportunity to develop key connections with esteemed and internationally renowned seafood experts and stakeholders.
To learn more about marine plastics, visit FRDC’s Marine plastics webpage.
To read the University of Adelaide Media Release, click here.
