A new study found just how much microplastics are released by kitchen sponges during use, and which sponge releases the least amount
Credit: Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- A new study found kitchen sponges release microplastics during use, potentially impacting human health and the environment
- The spectrum of microplastic release varies, with values ranging from 0.68 to 4.21 grams per person per year
- Organic sponges with lower plastic content release fewer microplastics compared to synthetic sponges
A frequently used household kitchen item may be contributing to the spread of microplastics to people.
A new study published in Environmental Advances titled, "From sink to Sea: Microplastic release from kitchen sponges and potential environmental effects," found that kitchen sponges play a significant role in spreading microplastics to people. The researchers tested households in Germany and North America, where volunteers documented their use of three types of sponges over 100 hours of dishwashing.
The study found that microplastic levels increase as the sponge is used because of abrasion. Given the variety of sponges, microplastic release ranged from 0.68 to 4.21 grams per person per year. The sponge with the lowest plastic content was identified as organic, containing 15.9 w% plastic.
Credit: Getty
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Researchers also found that increased sponge use has adverse environmental effects because microplastics are released into wastewater. The negative effects are linked not to sponge abrasion itself, but to the amount of water used during the dishwashing process.
It was concluded that "a lower plastic share in kitchen sponges can significantly reduce [microplastics] release and related negative effects in the environment."
Researchers have been calling for more urgent and actionable measures to reduce plastic pollution after several studies detected tiny microplastics (typically around 5mm in diameter) in a wide range of human organs, including the lungs, the brain, reproductive organs, liver, kidneys, knee and elbow joints, blood vessels and bone marrow.
The exact health consequences in humans are not yet fully known. However, studies have found that microplastics can induce oxidative stress, leading to cell damage, inflammation, or cardiovascular disease.
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