What Are Microplastics?
Have you ever looked at the ocean and wondered what’s floating in it? Besides fish and seaweed, there’s something else out there that’s too small for our eyes to see – microplastics!
These tiny bits of plastic are everywhere, from the water we drink to the air we breathe. Let’s learn about these little troublemakers and what we can do about them!
Microplastics: The Basics
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, typically smaller than 5mm.
Think about the eraser on your pencil. If you were to break that eraser into 100 tiny pieces, each one might be a microplastic. They come in many colors and shapes.
There are two main types:
- Primary microplastics: Made to be small. Found in face scrubs, toothpaste, and craft supplies.
- Secondary microplastics: Formed when larger plastic items break down over time.
Microplastics are everywhere—in oceans, soil, drinking water, and even the air. Scientists have found them in seafood, table salt, beer, and human blood.
Where Do Microplastics Come From?
Microplastics have infiltrated nearly every part of our environment. Here’s how they get there:
1. Everyday Plastic Waste
- Plastic bags, bottles, and containers degrade over time.
- Plastic-coated coffee cups shed microplastics as they wear down.
2. Clothing and Textiles
- Polyester and nylon fabrics release microfibers in every wash.
- Water treatment plants can’t always filter them out.
3. Car Tires
- Tires release microplastic particles into air and water as they wear down.
4. Personal Care Products
- Microbeads in scrubs and toothpaste are designed to be tiny plastics.
- Many are now banned, but some still exist globally.
5. Fishing and Maritime Activities
- Discarded nets and gear break into microplastics in the ocean.
6. Industrial Processes
- Factories release plastic particles like “nurdles” during production.
These plastics travel through water and air—and have even been found in remote areas like the Arctic and deep-sea trenches.
Do Microplastics Stay in Our Bodies?
Scientists have found microplastics in human lungs, placentas, and blood.
We don’t yet know how long they stay inside us, but we do know:
- Some may pass through our system.
- Others may linger and cause unknown health effects.
Are Microplastics Bad for Us?
Scientists are still studying their effects. Concerns include:
- They may irritate internal tissues like a splinter would skin.
- They can carry harmful chemicals.
- They may cause inflammation or immune responses.
So far, there’s no proven harm from everyday levels—but research is ongoing.
How Can We Reduce Microplastics?
Protecting the environment also protects our health. Here’s how to cut exposure:
1. Avoid Single-Use Plastics
- Say no to plastic bags, bottles, and straws.
- Choose reusable alternatives made from stainless steel, glass, or paper.</li