What are Microplastics?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration defines microplastics are small pieces of plastic that are less than 5 millimeters long. This form of plastic can come from larger degrading plastics or microbeads. Microplastics can come from synthetic clothing (polyester, spandex, nylon) ,tires, cigarettes, glitter, exfoliants, detergents, and much more. Microbeads are made of polyethylene plastic and are used as exfoliants and beauty and hygiene products, this includes face wash, body, wash, and toothpaste. The Microbead- Free Waters Act of 2015 bans the use of these microbeads in products. However, this will not be enacted until July 2019, meaning products can still contain these beads.
Microplastics are some of the most abundant plastics found around the world. Microplastics in general make up up to 85% of all plastics found on shores around the world.
Why Should We Care?
- These plastics are difficult and nearly impossible to get rid of
- They harm both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife
- We do not know a lot about them! We are not sure about the long term effects the plastic have on organisms and humans.
Zooplankton, copepods, and small fish ingest microplastics by confusing them as food. These plastics can fill up their stomachs since they do not break down. Larger prey also east these smaller organisms, allowing microplastics to move up the food chain. This can eventually get to humans. Humans can also ingest microplastics through beauty and healthy products they use and airborne dusts from roads and houses. Microplastics have also been found in the water we drink and on fruits and vegetables. We still do not know the effects microplastics can have on humans nor animals. We do know an increase in microplastics in the digestive tract, leads to less consumption of food. This can lead to a decrease in immune response and slower growth of aquatic organisms. Many universities, including the marine department at the University of New England, are studying microplastics aquatic and terrestrial environments.
What Can You Do?
Look into the products you use including toothpastes, soaps, and clothing. Do these products contain consumers? If so, try switching to a new product. Try switching to clothes with natural fibers or getting a laundry filter which will collect microfibers. As always, try to avoid single use plastics and pick up any garbage you find on the beach.
