Study finds microplastics in all Indian salt and sugar brands: What are the health impacts?

Health By Sumit Jha Aug 14, 2024 Read the article

The presence of microplastics, that adversely affect human health, is a growing concern around the globe.

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Meanwhile, a recent study showed that not even packaged salt and sugar are free from microplastics.

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All Indian salt and sugar brands, irrespective of their size, whether big or small, packaged or unpackaged, contain microplastics, according to a study.

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The concentration of microplastics in the salt samples ranged from 6.71 to 89.15 pieces per kg of dry weight, the report said.

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Iodised salt had the highest concentration of microplastics (89.15 pieces per kg) while organic rock salt had the lowest (6.70 pieces per kg), according to the study.

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In sugar samples, the concentration of microplastics ranged from 11.85 to 68.25 pieces per kilogram, with the highest concentration found in non-organic sugar.

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Microplastics can disrupt hormones and are associated with increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

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Ingesting microplastics may cause cell damage, inflammation, allergic reactions, and oxidative stress.

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