Small pieces of Styrofoam. A broken plastic straw. Empty plastic bags. These items are scattered across the ground and our waters, breaking down into microplastics—pervasive pollutants that pose significant environmental and public health risks. Though small, microplastics have a profound impact, threatening ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being.
Microplastics fall into two main categories: primary and secondary. Primary microplastics are intentionally manufactured to a microscopic size and are found in products like cosmetics, toothpaste, and textiles, as well as in industrial pellets used in plastic manufacturing. Secondary microplastics result from the breakdown of larger plastic debris through environmental processes like UV radiation, physical abrasion, and chemical degradation.
The environmental impact of microplastics is severe. Marine organisms, from plankton to larger fish and mammals, ingest microplastics, mistaking them for food. This ingestion can lead to internal blockages, reduced energy levels, and even death. Additionally, microplastics can carry harmful pollutants that enter the food chain, posing risks to marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Microplastics also pose direct and indirect risks to human health. Studies have shown microplastics in everyday food products, including seafood, salt, honey, and drinking water. When humans consume these micro-plastic-laden foods, they are exposed to potential chemical contaminants like heavy metals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that can leach from the plastic. Recent studies reveal that they are showing up in multiple human organs.
What Can You Do to Reduce Microplastics?
- Reduce single-use plastics by opting for reusable products such as water bottles, shopping bags, cloth produce bags, and stainless-steel coffee cups.
- Choose sustainable materials, like compostable bags, biodegradable textiles, and vegan-friendly cosmetics.
- Avoid products containing microbeads. Check packaging for common microbead ingredients such as:
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- Nylon (PA)°Polypropylene (PP)
- Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
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