Nanoparticles are excellent materials that range from 1 and 100 nanometers. Numerous food and drink manufacturers make use of nanoparticles for packaging. They are also frequently utilized in products for personal care and even as food additives. A new study has revealed how these nanoparticles can pose serious human health risks and contribute to environmental degradation. The study shows that these tiny substances can disrupt the digestive systems of humans and release harmful substances that could cause harm to and harm the environment. In the packaging industry, particles of nanoparticles offer power, limit the amount of air allowed in and out, and help keep undesirable microbes out of the way. They can be added to food items and beverages; they can keep caking at bay, supply nutrients and stop the growth of bacteria. (More: Is plastic food packaging dangerous?)The lead researcher from the US, Robert Reed, explains, “Consumers might absorb some of these materials through their skin, and inhale and ingest them. What does not get digested is passed in urine and faeces to the sewage system.” Reed also noted, “In human beings, if an effect happens as drinks travel through the digestive tract, these substances may cause an inability to digest or even diarrhea. “For research, the researchers analyzed how eight different commercial drinks contain nano-sized metal particles or are similar to metal within human intestinal cells. It was discovered that consumption of these drinks altered the typical structure and reduced the amount of microvillus, finger-like projections on cells that aid in the digestion of food. Researchers looked into sewage effluent, which contained these particles. They discovered that the majority of these nanomaterials are making a return to the surface water, which could cause damage to aquatic life as well as the surrounding environment. With inputs from IANS
Nanoparticles in Packaged Foods Can be Harmful
