Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter. They come from the breakdown of larger plastics and from products that contain small plastic particles by design.
Sources of microplastics:
- Synthetic textiles (polyester, nylon, acrylic) shed fibers when washed
- Breakdown of plastic products over time
- Tire wear on roads
- Personal care products with microbeads (being phased out in many countries)
- Single-use plastics fragmenting
Where microplastics are found: Research has detected microplastics in:
- Tap and bottled water
- Seafood and other foods
- Air (indoor and outdoor)
- Human blood and tissues
Research is ongoing to understand the health implications of microplastic exposure.
Reducing microplastic exposure:
- Choose natural fibers (cotton, linen, wool) over synthetic fabrics
- Use a microfiber-catching laundry bag when washing synthetics
- Filter tap water
- Reduce single-use plastic consumption
- Choose glass or stainless steel over plastic containers
- Avoid heating food in plastic