DUBAI: Lebanon tops the Middle East for the highest percentage of contaminated tap water with plastic fibers, and with a figure of 93.8 percent, it is the second worst in the world and scientists warn that these fibers could be cancerous – but they do not know.
The only country with higher levels of contamination is the US, where the figure for tap water contaminated with micro-plastic is 94.4 percent, while 80 percent of tap water tested positive globally, according to data compiled by Orb Media.
The fibers are likely to have originated from common items such as fabrics including clothing, carpets, and upholstery.
Experts are not certain what the implications are on people’s health, but it is generally believed that the plastic fibers could increase the risk of cancer and other health problems.
Orb Media’s report reads: “Micro plastics have been shown to absorb toxic chemicals linked to cancer and other illnesses, and then release them when consumed by fish and mammals.”
The report falls short of explaining how the water has become contaminated and it warns that there are currently no procedures in place to filter the fibers out.
But while there is still a lot not known about the issue, State University of New York micro-plastic expert Dr Sherri Mason said there was sufficient information to be seriously concerned.
“We have enough data from looking at wildlife, and the impacts that it’s having on wildlife, to be concerned… If it’s impacting [wildlife], then how do we think that it’s not going to somehow impact us?” Mason told British daily The Guardian.
Nearly all of Lebanon’s tap water ‘contaminated with plastic fibers’ report warns
Nearly all of Lebanon’s tap water ‘contaminated with plastic fibers’ report warns
Where We Are Going Today: Yu by Toki Restaurant in Riyadh
- One order comes with two rolls on a plate, perfect for those looking to share one of the best dishes on the menu
Bringing its flavors from Toki in Jeddah, Yu by Toki is in Riyadh at Mamlaka Social Dining, tucked into a back corner, where the Chinese restaurant offers dishes inspired by Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine, with a modern twist.
At Mamlaka Social Dining, guests order directly from each restaurant’s booth before choosing a table within the shared dining area. Many opt for the outdoor terrace, which offers sweeping views of Riyadh from the iconic tower.
Yu’s one-page menu is concise yet diverse in options, with a particular focus on starters and dim sum. The starters introduce the menu’s flavor palette.
To start, I opted for the Szechuan crispy duck roll which comes wrapped in homemade pancake and stuffed with cucumber and spring onion alongside the crispy duck meat.
One order comes with two rolls on a plate, perfect for those looking to share one of the best dishes on the menu. The crunchy duck meat, fresh cucumber, and sweet sauce provides a balanced and delicious starter experience.
Another popular dish — often sold out — is the bang bang chicken, served with chili and pandan cream for a bold, spicy kick. For a milder option, the smoked corn chicken offers a deeper, caramelized flavor profile.
When it comes to buns and dumplings, I would go for either the baked smoked angus bun or the Szechuan sui mai.
If you are looking for something on the heavier side, the baked smoked angus bun is intense with strong flavors of beef paired with a sauce and fluffy bun.
On the other hand, the Szechuan sui mai is a light and fresh dish, paired with soybean, chili, Chinese mushrooms, and spring onion.
For the main course, I selected the sweet and sour chicken and paired it with the vegetable noodles.
Unfortunately, Yu by Toki’s does not offer dessert, which can be disappointing for those looking to indulge in Chinese varieties. Mamlaka Social Dining solves this by offering a vast array of options.
