Jane Carroll, Story Editor
Graphic by Jane Carroll
The most popular image of pollution is smokestacks or plastic bottles floating in the ocean. But there’s another kind of pollution that’s even smaller and possibly more dangerous which would be microplastics. Studies have found microplastics in drinking water, table salt, and even the air we breathe.
Microplastics are spread through discarded plastic products like water bottles and cling wrap that can break down into microplastics. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, can shed microplastic fibres when they’re washed. Microplastics also get released into the environment when people use products laced with the particles.
Microplastics build up over time and can release toxic chemicals that harm both wildlife and humans. Microplastics are everywhere in everything. One of the most concerning places is food. When clothes are washed, tiny plastic fibers from polyester and nylon fabrics go down the drain. These fibers end up in water filters, rivers, lakes, and oceans. This can lead to ocean animals then mistaking the particles for food and microplastics soon enter the food chain. That means they can end up in our bodies too. A study conducted in the UK resulted in researchers predicting that by 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean by weight if current trends continue. If the amount of plastic outweighs fish, it’s inevitable that the seafood we consume will contain microplastics or toxins from the run off of our environment.
Another study conducted by The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) estimates that 2.7 million tonnes of microplastics seeped into the environment in 2020, an estimate expected to double by 2040.
Ways we can help:
- Use less single-use plastic. Reusable water bottles and shopping bags.
- Choose natural fabrics. Cotton and wool don’t shed plastic fibers.
- Support clean-up efforts. Donate to organizations that are fighting plastic pollution locally and globally.
- Spread awareness. Talking about microplastics helps others realize how big this “tiny” problem really is.
Scientists are still learning the dangers of microplastics and the short/long term effects on ecosystems, animals and humans. These issues are avoidable and with enough effort the amount of microplastics in our everyday lives.
This is such a valuable resource—thanks for putting it together.