Which countries are most likely to eat microplastics?

American scientists from Cornell University have mapped countries around the world where people unintentionally eat and inhale microplastics. Their study was carried out in 109 countries from 1990 to 2018, and focused on the world’s main coastlines affected by plastic pollution. Researchers compiled data relating to microplastic concentrations in food groups such as fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains, dairy products, beverages, sugars, salt and spices. Several criteria were taken into account to assess the risks, including the consumption habits of residents and food processing technologies.

At the top of this dismal ranking is Indonesia. According to the study results, Indonesians consume around 15 grams of microplastics per month, with the majority of plastic particles coming from seafood. Conversely, Paraguay is the country where residents are least likely to ingest microplastics (0.85 grams per month). Between 1990 and 2018, daily consumption of microplastics increased 59-fold on average worldwide.

The authors of the work also mapped the countries in which residents are most at risk of breathing microplastics. The countries most concerned are still in Asia, since they are China and Mongolia, with more than 2.8 million particles inhaled per month, compared to 300,000 for the United States for example. “Only people in the Mediterranean and neighboring regions breathe less“, notes the study. This is particularly the case of Spain, Portugal and Hungary, where the rate of plastic particles inhaled per month is estimated between 60,000 and 240,000, specify the researchers.

“The industrialization of developing economies, particularly in East and South Asia, has led to increased plastic consumption, waste generation, and human uptake of microplastics. Conversely, industrialized countries are experiencing an opposite trend, supported by greater economic resources to reduce and eliminate free plastic debris“, analyzes Fengqi You, co-author of the study, in a press release.

“Our study highlights that tackling the uptake of microplastics requires a multi-faceted approach, including sustainable packaging solutions, enforcement of strict waste management regulations, and improved processing technologies. water“adds his colleague Xiang Zhao. According to the researchers, a 90% reduction in aquatic plastic debris could lead to a substantial reduction in exposure to microplastics, potentially up to 51% in developed countries and 49% in regions heavily industrialized.