Indonesians Unaware They Are Ingesting Microplastics: Check These 7 Kitchen Items

The presence of microplastic material, measuring under 5 millimetres, has become a real and alarming threat. These microscopic particles are generally undetectable to the naked eye but harbour potential dangers that can damage environmental sustainability and various aspects of living organisms’ lives. A primary focus of concern regarding the negative impact of microplastics is the health risk they pose to the human body. These super-small particles can settle and accumulate in organ tissues over time. A February 2025 study found that microplastics can accumulate in human tissue and potentially trigger serious diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. Each year, humans are estimated to inhale up to 22 million micro and nanoplastic particles. This exposure occurs through three main routes: inhalation, ingestion, or absorption through the skin. Various studies have found that microplastics can cause tissue inflammation, cell death, and disruptions to the lungs and liver. In animals, microplastics cause DNA damage and cancer. In extreme cases, the accumulation of microplastics in blood vessels can increase the risk of sudden death from a heart attack. Here are seven items that pose the highest risk of increasing microplastic exposure in the kitchen: 1. Non-stick Cookware: Research shows that Teflon-coated pans and pots can release millions of microplastic particles into food, especially if the surface is cracked or scratched. 2. Plastic Food Containers: Lunch boxes or plastic containers from delivery services can release microplastics when exposed to heat. Studies show all tested plastic containers contained microplastic particles. 3. Plastic Cutlery: Plastic spoons and forks release microplastics when used with hot food. These particles then enter the body through the food. 4. Tea Bags: Many modern tea bags contain polypropylene, a material that can release billions of microplastic particles when steeped in hot water. 5. Packaged Spices: Recent studies found that all plastic spice packaging contains microplastics that can contaminate the contents. 6. Plastic Straws: Plastic straws have been proven to release micro and nanoplastics that can be directly inhaled. Each year, around 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans and contaminate the ecosystem. 7. Food Cans: Although many manufacturers are now switching to non-BPA linings, coating materials such as acrylic and polyester epoxies still contain microplastics. There are many simple ways to reduce microplastic exposure from your kitchen: use cookware made of stainless steel, cast iron, or wood instead of plastic; replace plastic containers with glass or ceramic for storing food; choose loose leaf tea and use a metal strainer rather than plastic tea bags; buy spices in glass bottles or refillable packaging without plastic; switch to metal, bamboo, or paper straws that can be reused; and choose fresh or frozen foods over canned goods.