Microplastics

In addition to visible plastic pollution, there is plastic pollution that we cannot see.  Three common examples are:

1.    Microbeads: tiny plastic pellets used in personal care, cosmetic and household cleaning products (like face and body scrubs, toothpastes and washing powders);

2.    Microfibres:  released into the drains, then finding their way into waterways and the ocean, every time we wash clothes made from synthetics, like nylon and polyester.

3.    Microplastics: minuscule, indeterminate plastic fragments arising from the weathering and breakdown of larger plastic items.

Microplastics are ubiquitous across ecosystems, yet the exposure risk to humans is unresolved. Marine life is consuming more microplastic every year, passing from zooplankton up the food chain to the largest predators creatures, including humans. Corals around the world are facing 'slow starvation' from ingesting ocean plastic pollution. Microplastics are killing fish before they even reach reproductive age.

The Australian Government promised in 2018 a ban on microbeads if they are not voluntarily phased out by industry.  At 2021, this has not happened.

A 2021 study reported that infants have a higher exposure to microplastics than adults do, possibly due to factors such as child-safe plastic feeding utensils, pacifiers, sippy cups and plastic toys that babies like to chew on while teething.  Specifically, PET concentrations were significantly higher in infant faeces than in adult faeces, whereas concentrations of PC microplastics were not significantly different between the two age groups. The microplastics measured in infant and adult faeces were thought to be primarily derived from dietary sources.  One-year-old infants  are known to frequently mouth plastic products and clothing. Infants often chew and suck cloths and other items derived from plastic. In addition, infant formula prepared in PP bottles can release millions of microplastics, and many processed baby foods are packaged in plastic containers.

It was estimated in 2018 that a US citizen consumes from 39,000 to 52,000 particles of microplastics per year depending on age and sex. These estimates increase to 74,000 and 121,000 when inhalation is considered. Additionally, individuals who meet their recommended water intake through only bottled sources may be ingesting an additional 90000 microplastics annually, compared to 4000 microplastics for those who consume only tap water.