Microplastics in food and drink may be fueling a dramatic rise in bowel diseases | Hacker News Reader

Microplastics in food and drink may be fueling a dramatic rise in bowel diseases

studyfinds.org

I wonder if its even possible to reduce consumption of microplastics given that pretty much everything we buy is wrapped in plastic at some point.

Microplastics are not coming from packaging directly, they come from particles released by washing clothing, which then goes into the water, and from plastic litter that gets broken down over time.

Changing food packaging won't do anything for this, you'd need filters on every washing machine.

Wouldn’t it be easier to filter it later in the waste water pipeline?

There's too much other solids mixed into sewage to filter later.

Care to elaborate? I would expect most solids are filtered in the primary treatment, so what would be the issue with trying to filter micro-plastics in or after the secondary filtering?

Article says:

> The two most common types of plastics were PET (polyethylene terephthalate), used in bottles and food containers, and PA (polyamide) which manufacturers use in food packaging and textiles.

Correct:

> "and textiles."

Not sure if you were arguing with me or elaborating.

food packaging > consumer > trash > water supply > food > consumer

So how do these food wrapping plastics end up in the ocean?

PET is also used in fleece jackets.

filter this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeDY3I841q0

Microplastics are everywhere now. Even in the fruits and vegetables themselves. https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/53195056

The key point though:

> “These results suggest that people with IBD may be exposed to more microplastics in their gastrointestinal tract,” researchers continue. “However, it’s still unclear whether this exposure could cause or contribute to IBD, or whether people with IBD accumulate more fecal microplastics as a result of their disease.”

Reply on news.ycombinator.com