Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
When it comes to shellfish, concerns around the consumption of microplastics are a good news, bad news story. Studies show shellfish on the B.C. coast, farmed and otherwise, appear to contain minimal levels of microplastics unlikely to endanger human health, researcher Garth Covernton said – But it’s too early to breathe a sigh of relief!
Continue reading UVIC researcher talks about about microplastics in ShellfishA new Portland State University study found an average of eleven microplastic pieces in every oyster tested and almost as many particles in clams. This is only one report. While most of our research focuses on the ocean, far more plastic degradation occurs on land. Up to 700,000 plastic microfilaments can be shed from a single load of laundry. A University of Victoria study concluded that the average North American consumes between 39,000 to 52,000 particles a year and that number can go as high as 121,000 “when inhalation is considered.” We are eating, drinking & breathing microplastics.
Continue reading We Are Eating, Drinking & Breathing Microplastics
