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MicroplasticsMicroplastics, or MPs, are tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters long and have become one of Earth's most widespread pollutants. Like synthetic plastics, MPs are mostly made of long chains of hydrogen and carbon atoms, formed by linking byproducts of refining crude oil and natural gas. Other chemical additives may be incorporated to modify the final product’s properties. Primary MPs, such as microbeads, are intentionally manufactured to be small. Secondary MPs, such as those released while washing synthetic textiles, form from the breakdown of larger plastics and make up the bulk of MPs in the environment. As of 2024, the FDA claims there is insufficient evidence that MPs pose any human health risk, though initial biochemical studies have linked them to inflammation and hormone disruption.Explore Microplastics

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We're breathing microplasticsWhite blood cells can’t fight off microplastics and that sparks inflammation and bigger health risks. They’re in our food, water, even the rain. What does that mean for us? 1440 Airborne microplastics may influence cloud formation and climateMicroplastics are increasingly found in the atmosphere and may affect the climate by reflecting or absorbing sunlight based on their pigmentation. Like mineral dust, they may become cloud seeders and alter regional precipitation patterns as they become more abundant. Yale e360 The prevalence of microplastics came from plastic’s affordability and versatilityMicroplastics' durability and overuse have led to massive pollution that overwhelms the planet's ecosystems. Avian, terrestrial, and marine life have been observed to contain microplastics in their bodies, but reverting to paper, cotton, and other materials in manufacturing also brings environmental challenges. Kurzgesagt Microplastics may cut crop yields and worsen global hungerA major study found that microplastics disrupt photosynthesis in plants and algae, potentially putting an additional 400 million people at risk of starvation within 20 years. The damage from microplastics to crops may already rival the impact of climate change on food supplies. The Guardian Microplastics are infiltrating the human body with unclear but concerning effectsScientists have linked microplastics to immune system damage, hormone disruption, inflammatory diseases, and even cancer—yet most of their health impacts remain unknown due to limited research. Studies suggest we ingest about a credit card's worth of plastic weekly. National Geographic See where and how many microplastics are in the average human bodyThis diagram maps the extent to which microplastics have been found across human organ systems, tissues, and fluids. Beyond the locations shown, microplastics have also been found in the stomach, brain, and sex organs. ResearchGate Microplastics are entering human food chains through fertilized farmlandMicroplastics from sewage sludge used as fertilizer contaminate agricultural soil and eventually enter our bodies through the food supply of carrots, wheat, and other foodstuffs. In Europe, farmland may absorb up to 710 trillion microplastic particles yearly. BBC The FDA claims microplastics have not yet been shown to pose a health riskAlthough microplastics and nanoplastics are found in many foods and environments, their presence does not violate regulations. Additionally, as of 2025, the administration believes evidence does not confirm that detected levels harm humans. US Food and Drug Administration Synthetic textiles and tires are the top sources of secondary ocean microplasticsThese sources contribute more than 60% of the primary microplastics polluting the oceans, followed by city dust and road markings. City dust is made of pieces of building coatings, synthetic footwear, and other human-made objects that have broken off due to weathering and abrasion. Horiba Microplastics from sewage sludge persist in farmland soil for decadesA 25-year study in Scotland found that sewage sludge used as fertilizer introduces various microplastics into soil, where they remain and degrade into smaller particles that worsen soil quality. Dyes found in microplastics may also be leaching into the environment, causing additional toxic effects. James Hutton Institute Microplastics are everywhere and pose growing risks to wildlife and ecosystemsThese tiny plastic particles come from intentionally small items and the breakdown of larger plastic debris, ending up in soil, air, and water. A study of 37 US National Park beaches found microfibers at every site, making up 97% of all microplastic debris. NOAA What to do about the microplastics in your laundrySynthetic fabrics shed millions of tons of microplastics into oceans each year, largely through laundry wastewater. Here are ways to reduce the pollution. The New York Times Microplastics are everywhere—but are they harmful?Scientists are rushing to study the tiny plastic specks that are in marine animals — and in us. Nature Microplastics 101: What we know about the contaminants invading our bodiesFifty-one trillion particles of microplastics float in our oceans. Yet there is very little science of how this affects our health. This quick 2-minute video explains the dangers of microplastics. YouTube View a map of the world’s major earthquakes from 1956-2022Such maps can help identify tectonic plate boundaries. The most significant earthquakes are characteristic of converging plates, such as those in the Circum-Pacific Belt and the Alpine-Himalayan Belt, where the Himalayas continue to grow. Visual Capitalist Nanoplastics can bypass the blood-brain barrier and may harm the nervous systemNanoplastics are formed from the breakdown of microplastics and can breach cells. Their large surface area relative to size allows them to carry higher concentrations of forever chemicals than the surrounding environment into sensitive organs. It's Complicated Japanese scientists develop an eco-friendly plastic that dissolves in saltwaterThe strong and flexible plastic is made from molecules held together by saltwater-sensitive chemical bonds. The components left after the plastic breaks down within hours contain phosphorus and nitrogen, allowing them to serve as soil fertilizer. ZME Science Arteries with microplastic deposits linked to higher risk of cardiovascular eventsResearch shows that microplastics and nanoplastics can accumulate in major arteries, and patients with these deposits are significantly more likely to suffer heart attacks, strokes, or death. These deposits are possible due to these particles' ability to cross blood barriers. New York-Presbyterian Mermaid tears are a lasting and hazardous form of ocean plastic pollutionAlso known as nurdles, these tiny plastic pellets are extremely difficult to remove once spilled. Their chemical composition, which enhances absorption, causes them to contain higher concentrations of certain toxins than the surrounding environment. Newsweek Washing clothes is a significant source of global microfiber pollutionSynthetic fabrics shed millions of plastic microfibers during washing, which pass through wastewater treatment and end up in oceans, soil, and food chains. A single wash load can release several million microfibers, but washing with cold water can reduce this. The Conversation Microplastic pollution extends from Earth’s deepest oceans to its highest peakResearchers have found microplastic particles in snow samples taken from near the summit of Mount Everest. Microplastics have also been detected in the Mariana Trench, highlighting the widespread nature of this pollutant. The Guardian Fireworks contribute to air, water, and soil contamination and disrupt wildlifeFireworks displays have far-reaching environmental consequences, including acid rain from displays during storms and microplastic pollution in water supplies. Wildlife has also been seen abandoning sites during fireworks and never returning. Earth.org Learn how humans can protect coral reefsWhen diving and snorkeling in environments containing reefs, avoid touching reefs, anchoring on them, or using sunscreen with active ingredients harmful to marine life. Properly recycling and disposing of trash in bins helps reduce microplastics and chemicals that can run off into wastewater and into the oceans. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency From soil to beer, microplastic pollution is all around usMarine plastic pollution has been studied for decades, but the extent and effects of plastic pollution elsewhere is only just beginning to be explored. CNN

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