Microplastics Exposed: What Consumer Reports Found in Our Food & Water Supply

Update: 2024-10-01

Description

We now know that microplastics are literally everywhere! In our water, in our food, even in the organs of wild animals - found in the most remote places on Earth! But wait! Now scientists are discovering that there are even smaller fragments, called nanoplastic…so small… we consume them, potentially, with every breath we take. Really, no really!

These tiny particles and the chemicals that make plastics have been found in our brains, our lungs, kidneys, liver…even in men’s penises. Obviously, Jason and Peter had questions; so, they turned to the man who tests the levels of microplastics in the foods we buy and eat, Dr. James Rogers. He is the Director of Food Safety Research and Testing at Consumer Reports. He is responsible for leading the food safety and sustainability operations of the organization, including food testing, data analysis, and risk and safety assessments. As acting head of Product Safety Testing, he also oversees the team that assesses safe operation and use of consumer products.

***

IN THIS EPISODE:

Don’t wash your chicken! (Unless you own a hazmat suit.)
Blowing things up, dropping them, smashing them! What’s it really like in the Consumer Reports testing lab?
Ingesting microplastics, what are the effects on the body?
Why you should rethink microwaving your food in plastic containers.
Hidden issues that complicate ending our dependence on plastics.
What CR found when they tested 85 commonly purchased foods for plastic contamination.
Cut these foods from your diet to reduce phthalate consumption.
Why are brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, red die number 3, titanium dioxide – all legal if known to be detrimental to our health?
What must consumers do to demand safer food?
Google-heim: How much do you know about recycling? Take our quiz to find out!