When you hear the words plastic pollution, your mind might jump to bottles bobbing in the ocean or plastic bags fluttering in the wind. But some of the most persistent—and problematic—plastic pollutants are so small, you can’t even see them. Welcome to the world of microplastics !
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size. They come in two main types:
- Primary microplastics are intentionally manufactured small. Think microbeads once found in facial scrubs or the plastic pellets used in industrial processes.
- Secondary microplastics form when larger plastic products break down over time due to sunlight, wind, and water.
Why Should We Care?
Although they’re tiny, microplastics can have a huge impact on the environment—and even our health. Here’s why scientists and environmentalists are raising the alarm:
- They enter the food chain: Tiny aquatic creatures eat microplastics, mistaking them for food. These creatures are then eaten by larger animals—and ultimately, by us.
- They absorb toxins: Microplastics act like sponges, soaking up toxic chemicals like pesticides and heavy metals, which then hitch a ride into living organisms.
- They don’t go away: Unlike organic materials, plastic doesn’t biodegrade. It just breaks into smaller pieces—staying in the environment for decades.
The Official Blog of Edvotek® 