Shocking new study uncovers microplastics in nearly all seafood – what you need to know!

Soror Shaiza | Feb 03, 2025, 18:00 IST
Seafood microplastics (1)
( Image credit : TOIGLOBAL )
A new peer-reviewed study reveals alarming levels of microplastic contamination in seafood, with 99% of samples tested containing the pollutants. The study, which sampled fish and shrimp from Oregon, underscores the widespread nature of microplastics in the food system and the potential health risks, including exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. Experts call for policy changes to reduce plastic use and tackle pollution at its source.

Widespread Microplastic Contamination in Seafood


A new study has revealed that microplastics are present in 99% of seafood samples, underscoring the alarming scope of contamination in the nation's food supply. The study, published in a peer-reviewed journal, tested 182 samples of seafood, including five types of finfish and pink shrimp, purchased from both stores and fishing boats in Oregon. A staggering 180 of those samples tested positive for microplastics, with shrimp showing the highest contamination levels. Researchers identified that fibers from clothing and textiles made up over 80% of the microplastics found.

Health Risks Linked to Microplastics in Food


The presence of microplastics in food poses a significant threat to human health. Microplastics can carry toxic compounds like PFAS, bisphenol, and phthalates—chemicals linked to serious health issues such as cancer, hormone disruption, and neurotoxicity. These pollutants can enter the bloodstream, cross the blood-brain barrier, and even accumulate in heart tissue, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The study highlights how food, especially seafood, acts as a major route for human exposure to microplastics.

Why Shrimp and Smaller Fish Show Higher Levels


The research indicates that shrimp and smaller fish tend to have higher levels of microplastics due to their feeding behavior. These marine creatures feed on plankton near the ocean's surface, where microplastics tend to concentrate, particularly in ocean fronts affected by tides. Interestingly, while larger fish like Chinook salmon had lower levels of microplastics, researchers suspect that biomagnification—the process by which pollutants accumulate as they move up the food chain—was not observed in this case. This is likely because the smaller fish are directly ingesting microplastics present in the plankton they feed on.

Calls for Policy Changes to Tackle Plastic Pollution


While the study’s findings are troubling, researchers emphasize that the solution lies in reducing plastic use on a larger scale. Elise Granek, a co-author of the study, noted that individuals can help by washing clothes less frequently, using cold water, and avoiding synthetic fabrics. However, to make a meaningful impact, policy changes are needed to reduce plastic pollution. Legislation to require microplastic filters in washing machines passed California's legislature in 2023 but was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom, despite criticism from environmentalists. A similar bill has now been introduced in Oregon. Granek stressed that without changes to everyday plastic consumption, microplastic contamination in our food supply will only continue to grow.

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