A versatile material formed by linking long chains of carbon atoms together. “Plasticity”, one of the defining properties of plastic, refers to its ability to be permanently deformed without breaking. Degrades over time into smaller and smaller pieces but takes decades to centuries to completely break down. Ubiquitous in modern society, it is found in packaging, household items, food, liquids among others. About a third of plastic produced is used for packaging, and another third is used for household materials (siding, plumbing, etc.) Almost all plastics are created from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, or coal).

A plastic particle larger than 5 millimeters. Typically visible to the human eye.

A plastic particle smaller than 5 millimeters (a grain of sand is about half a millimeter). Sometimes visible to the human eye.

A plastic particle smaller than 1000 nanometers (smaller than a red blood cell). Requires a microscope to see.

PFAS (Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances), also known as forever chemicals: synthetic chemicals with strong carbon-fluorine bonds that enable them to repel both water and grease. Undergo very little degradation over time, hence the moniker ‘forever’.

Perfluorooctanoic Acid: one of the more common forever chemicals. It is classified as a human carcinogenic by The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). As of 2015 it is not produced in the United States.

Bisphenol A: a colorless solid compound found in many plastics, especially in the epoxy liner found in many food and beverage containers. BPA may possess some estrogen-like hormonal properties, and there is concern that human exposure is deleterious. The FDA banned its use in baby bottles and sippy cups in 2012.