Microplastics pose a significant health risk, as they can persist in the environment and carry harmful chemicals. A person might consume the equivalent of a credit card in plastic each week through food alone. Once ingested, these particles can degrade into nanoplastics small enough to interfere with cellular DNA, potentially leading to genetic damage and chronic health issues.
Each year, between 10 and 40 million tonnes of microplastics are released into the environment. If current trends persist, this amount is projected to double by 2040. Even if all new emissions are stopped today, existing microplastic levels would continue to rise as older plastic debris breaks down into smaller particles.
A review published in Science summarizes the current understanding of microplastic pollution two decades after the term 'microplastic' was first introduced. Microplastics are solid plastic particles measuring less than 5 millimeters and have found their way into our bodies, primarily through food and water.
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