A recent study conducted by environmental research organization Toxics Link found that all Indian salt and sugar brands contain microplastics, regardless of size or packaging. The study tested 10 types of salt and 5 types of sugar and found microplastics in various forms, including fibre, pellets, films, and fragments. Toxics Link hopes to bring attention to this issue and calls for urgent research into the potential health impacts of microplastics on humans.
Microplastics in Indian Salt and Sugar: A Cause for Concern
Microplastics, tiny pieces of plastic less than 5 millimeters in size, have become a pervasive environmental pollutant. These particles are found in a wide range of products, including cosmetics, clothing, and packaging. Recent studies have revealed that microplastics are also present in our food, including salt and sugar.
Study Findings
A study conducted by Toxics Link, an environmental research organization, found that all 10 types of salt and 5 types of sugar tested in India contained microplastics. The particles were found in various forms, including fibers, pellets, films, and fragments. The highest concentration of microplastics was found in iodized salt, which is commonly used in India.
Health Concerns
The presence of microplastics in food raises concerns about potential health effects. While the long-term health impacts of ingesting microplastics are still being studied, there is evidence to suggest that these particles can be harmful. Microplastics can accumulate in the body and damage cells, organs, and tissues. They may also release toxic chemicals that can disrupt hormones and cause developmental problems.
Call for Action
Toxics Link's study highlights the need for urgent action to address the issue of microplastics in food. The organization calls for increased research into the health impacts of microplastics and the development of measures to prevent their entry into the food chain.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What are microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5 millimeters in size. They can come from a variety of sources, including clothing, packaging, and cosmetics.
2. How do microplastics get into salt and sugar?
Microplastics can enter the food chain through various pathways, including wastewater discharge, industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff. They can also be present in the air and settle on crops.
3. What are the health risks of ingesting microplastics?
The long-term health effects of ingesting microplastics are still being studied, but there is evidence to suggest that these particles can be harmful. They may accumulate in the body and damage cells, organs, and tissues. They may also release toxic chemicals that can disrupt hormones and cause developmental problems.
4. What can be done to reduce the presence of microplastics in food?
There are a number of things that can be done to reduce the presence of microplastics in food, including:
5. What is being done to address the issue of microplastics in India?
The Indian government is taking steps to address the issue of microplastics, including:
The Royal Society of Chemistry has submitted its recommendations for improving science education in England through an evidence-based call for feedback. With just one week left for the 22 November deadline, the Society is urging stakeholders to voice their opinions on the current science curriculum and suggest potential improvements. The review aims to address issues such as outdated curriculum, accessibility to science education, technical qualifications and sustainability. Join the discussion and have a say in shaping the future of science education in England.
Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams addresses concerns about her health and weight after spending months on the International Space Station (ISS). In an interview with the New England Sports Network (NESN), she discussed her physical condition and cleared up rumors about drastic weight loss. She also shared insights on the effects of microgravity on the body and the importance of exercise for maintaining bone density in space.
After four astronauts, including NASA's Michael Barratt, Matthew Dominick, and Jeanette Epps, were rushed to the hospital upon their return from the ISS, there have been growing concerns about the physical toll spaceflight takes on astronauts. With the recent spotlight on NASA's Sunita Williams and concerns over her health, the agency has stepped in to assure the public that all astronauts are in good health and spirits. However, with investigations into the reason for the hospitalisation still ongoing, the incident serves as a reminder that spaceflight is still a largely unknown territory.
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore, currently on an extended mission on the International Space Station, have reported weight loss. This is due to fluid shifts in space causing changes in the body. Despite concerns about their health, NASA has assured the public that the astronauts are closely monitored and in good health. The agency has also warned against sharing any leaked details about the astronauts' health. This comes after a recent incident with the SpaceX Crew-8 mission, raising questions about the effects of extended space travel, but NASA maintains that Williams and Wilmore are doing well.
Learn about the chronic disease that plagues millions of Indians and its underlying causes. Diabetes is a condition that affects the body's production and use of insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Find out the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and how it can lead to serious health complications.
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar's speech at the 83rd foundation day of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research highlights the importance of research and development in advancing science. He emphasizes the need to find answers to unanswered questions and the potential for growth and innovation in this field. This contribution will help in scaling up the work of IIT Madras and promoting scientific advancement globally.
Cardiology experts at the Global Cardiology Summit in New Delhi predict that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform the treatment of heart diseases in India. With the ability to analyze large amounts of data, AI can aid in early detection, personalize treatment plans, and improve patient outcomes. Experts also noted that AI can benefit the healthcare sector in India, particularly in rural areas, where access to advanced care is limited. The two-day summit brought together world-class cardiologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals to discuss the latest advancements in cardiology and the role of AI in cardiac diagnostics and patient management.
Four NASA crew members from the recent Crew-8 mission held a press conference addressing their brief hospitalization upon returning from the ISS. Although the astronauts stated they were in good health, NASA has not disclosed details of the incident. The extended mission was due to delays caused by technical issues with the new Starliner spacecraft, but the astronauts reflect positively on the experience of spending extra time in space.
Every year on November 10, World Science Day for Peace and Development commemorates the vital role of science in our society. This day, proclaimed by UNESCO in 2001, aims to raise awareness about the importance of scientific knowledge in everyday life and its role in sustainable development. This year's theme, 'Why Science Matters - Engaging Minds and Empowering Future,' highlights the significant contributions of scientists towards shaping a better future for our planet. Through collaborations and educational efforts, World Science Day for Peace and Development continues to inspire global engagement with science for the betterment of society.
An unnamed NASA astronaut was flown to a hospital on Friday after returning to Earth from a record-breaking 235-day stay on the International Space Station. The crew of four, which included US astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, as well as Russian cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, splashed down off the coast of Florida early Friday morning, marking the longest stay in orbit for SpaceX's reusable Crew Dragon spacecraft. The crew's return was delayed due to hurricanes in the expected splashdown zones, and the cause of the astronaut's medical issue remains undisclosed.