What are Microplastics?

You’re probably hearing more and more about microplastics these days, coupled with a growing urgency to address them. But what are microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic that can be found from the depths of the oceans to the air we breathe. Microplastics are everywhere, and that’s why they’re a problem. These microscopic bits of plastic not only pollute the land, the oceans, and the wildlife within these ecosystems, but they end up inside our bodies as well.

In this article, we’re going to explore where microplastics come from, why they’re harmful to humans and the environment, and how to reduce microplastic contamination in your everyday life.

What are microplastics?
Scientists first discovered tiny pieces of plastic in the oceans in the 1970s, but the term “microplastic” wasn’t coined until 2004. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that measure less than five millimeters in size and come in various forms. They can be categorized into two main types: primary microplastics and secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics are intentionally manufactured at a small size, such as microbeads in personal care products, and are designed for specific purposes like exfoliation or abrasive cleaning.

Secondary microplastics, on the other hand, result from the breakdown of larger plastic items over time due to weathering, UV radiation, and physical wear and tear. These larger plastic items, such as bottles, bags, and packaging materials, gradually fragment into smaller and smaller pieces over time, ultimately becoming microplastics. From there, they can break down even further into dust that’s impossible to remove from the environment. The ultra-tiny particles that make up this dust are called nanoplastics.

Due to their tiny size, microplastics can easily be distributed through the environment through processes like wind dispersal, soil erosion and runoff, wastewater treatment, and being eaten by fish and other creatures in the ecosystem.

Health effects of microplastics
The health effects of microplastics have emerged as an area of growing concern. While the full extent of their impact on human health is still under investigation, several potential health risks have been identified. First, ingested microplastics can accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract and potentially lead to physical irritation, inflammation, or damage to the intestinal lining. Moreover, there is evidence to suggest that these tiny particles may act as carriers for harmful chemical pollutants, such as heavy metals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. When microplastics are ingested, these contaminants can leach into the body, potentially causing systemic health issues.

The inhalation of airborne microplastics is another concern, particularly in urban areas where they may be present in dust and air pollution. Once inhaled, these particles could potentially reach the respiratory system and lead to respiratory problems. Although research is ongoing, it is clear that the pervasive presence of microplastics in the environment warrants further investigation into their potential health effects.

Everpure Filtration Products & Microplastics
Here is a link to nsf.org. Please scroll down to the bottom to find the current list of Everpure systems certified for microplastics reduction.  

We also have a new series of water filters certified for the removal of Forever Chemicals, of which microplastics falls under.