Microplastics

Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5mm long. The smallest of these particles are invisible to the naked eye.

• Plastic manufacturing, use, and disposal all lead to the creation and release of microplastics. Some microplastics are released when pellets are formed; others slough off plastic products including clothing and other textiles, packaging, building materials, and furniture. And even when plastics are recycled, microplastics are formed and released into the air.
• Companies intentionally add microplastics to products such as cosmetics, cleaning agents, paint, and agricultural fertilizers.

• We are exposed to microplastics from breathing indoor air and from drinking water, food, and household dust. Microplastics have been found in drinking water, food (including meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables and even salt), soil, and air. Researchers estimate that U.S. residents consume more than 10,000 particles per year just from protein items.
• We can even uptake microplastics via skin contact, and toxic chemicals from microplastics can be absorbed by our skin.
• Once we eat, drink, or breathe microplastics, the particles can transfer into tissue, causing damage at the cellular level.

• Microplastics contain toxic additives including plasticizers, flame retardants, and stabilizers.
• In addition to the toxic chemicals included in making the plastic, microplastics can also absorb additional harmful chemicals in the environment that find their way into people through normal daily life.  
• Microplastics are being found throughout the human body contaminating lungs, heart/arteries/veins, intestines, liver, kidney, spleen, placenta, male reproductive organs, bladder, as well as breast milk, blood, stool, and urine.
• New research suggests that microplastics may contribute to increased risk for Alzheimer’s, infertility, cardiovascular disease, stroke, or premature death. Microplastics may also increase cancer risk since many of the chemicals in plastics are known carcinogens or hormone disruptors.
• In addition, microplastics often carry harmful chemicals with them. These chemicals are known to increase the risk of cancer, reproductive harm, infertility and cardiovascular issues.