Plastics
by William, Charlie & Meghan
What are microplastics?
Microplastics are small plastic particles that measure less than 5 millimeters (like a pencil eraser). Even smaller plastic particles can be found and are called nanoplastics, which measure less than 1 micrometer (which is smaller than a strand of a spider web).
Where do microplastics come from?
Microplastics are created when plastic items (like tires, bottles, and clothes) break down. Plastic material lasts for a long time in the environment, and has been found many places including glaciers, oceans, soil, and the air. Microplastics can come in different shapes (like beads and fibers) and sizes, and also can combine with other polluting chemicals like heavy metals to become even more toxic.
How do microplastics get into your body?
There are a few ways microplastics can get in your body. These ways include breathing them in (also called respiratory inhalation), eating or drinking something that has them in it (also called digestive tract intake), and absorbing them through the skin (also called skin contact).
Why are people worried about microplastics?
People worry about microplastics because of their potential to cause damage to the body. Microplastics can contribute to medical problems including lung conditions like asthma and liver diseases including one called steatosis in which fat builds up in the liver. People are especially worried about effects of exposure on infants because their organ systems (particularly their brains) are still developing. The behaviors of babies could also put them at risk, such as how they bite on plastic toys or pacifiers.
Who is helping solve the plastic problem?
Professionals from different backgrounds including medicine and environmental science, are working together to learn more about plastics and come up with solutions to lower the risk to human health. An example of a team studying microplastics is called “Microplastics & Health” in the Netherlands.
Sources
Vethaak AD, Legler J. Microplastics and human health. Science. 2021 Feb 12;371(6530):672-674.
Luo Q, Tan H, Ye M, Jho EH, Wang P, Iqbal B, Zhao X, Shi H, Lu H, Li G. Microplastics as an emerging threat to human health: An overview of potential health impacts. J Environ Manage. 2025 Jul;387:125915.
