What Are Microplastics & Nanoplastics?

The number of consumer and commercial products with intentionally added microplastics is massive: cosmetics, detergents, paints, medicines, nappies, pesticides – the list goes on.

Over time, these tiny particles end up flooding into our environment.

Why are microplastics bad?

Microplastics are extremely persistent, which means it is almost impossible to remove them from the environment where they accumulate. Due to their persistence, and the chemicals they are made of, studies suggest they can be highly detrimental to the organisms they come into contact with. 

Microplastics can cause reduced feeding, poisoning and increasing mortality. They also tend to facilitate the transfer of contaminants along the foodchain, with potentially grave consequences for human health.

Scientists have warned that the situation is out of control. They have found microplastics pretty much everywhere: on mountains, in the ocean, in Arctic sea ice, and in our air, drinking water and in our bodies.

What are nanoplastics?

Nanoplastics are a type of microplastic, distinguished by their extremely small size. Microplastics are usually less than 5 millimeters across; nanoplastics are between 1 and 1,000 nanometers across. For comparison, an average human hair is roughly 80,000-100,000 nanometers wide.

Studies in the past two years have found nanoplastics in human blood, in liver and lung cells, and in reproductive tissues such as the placenta and the testes.

Are nanoplastics toxic?

The toxicity of nanoplastics is another field of ongoing research. Some studies have suggested that these particles could pose significant risks to ecosystems and human health. One recent study suggested that they may be a risk factor for heart disease.

Another concern is that chemical pollutants, heavy metals and pathogens may stick to nanoplastics and become concentrated in the environment.