We all know that seafood is a healthy source of protein, but new research suggests that it might not be as healthy as we thought. That is because seafood can be contaminated with microplastics which can be very bad for people according reputable fish processing companies.
So, what are microplastics and how can they contaminate our seafood?
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are less than five millimetres in size. They can come from a variety of sources, including cosmetics, car tyres, and even fishing gear. When these items break down, they release microplastics into the environment. These microplastics can then end up in the ocean, where, according to an experienced seafood export company, they are often mistaken for food by marine animals. As a result, fish and other seafood can end up contaminated with microplastics, and when we eat contaminated seafood, those microplastics can end up in our bodies as well.
There is still a lot we don't know about the health risks of eating seafood contaminated with microplastics, but some studies have shown that they can cause harm to both human and marine life. For example, they have been linked to reproductive problems in fish and higher levels of toxins in shellfish.
So, what can we do to reduce our exposure to microplastics? The best thing is to try to avoid products that contain them. You can also help by properly disposing of waste plastic products, and by avoiding littering. If you eat seafood, try to choose items from sustainable fisheries and our supplied by quality seafood exporters in Sri Lanka and other countries, that have low levels of contamination.
We need more research on the health risks of microplastics, but until then it is important to take steps to reduce our exposure. By being mindful of the products we use and the way we dispose of waste, we can all help to keep microplastics out of our environment and our food.