Every day we eat, drink, and inhale tiny bits of plastic. What happens once they enter our bodies is a question that worries a growing number of researchers and medics
Microplastics could cause inflammation in the body. Photo: Getty
The first discussion of microplastics arose when researchers found they were interfering with environmental pollution and ocean life. You’ll have seen the stories everywhere; microplastics have been detected in everything from plankton to whales to commercial seafood to drinking water.
But, what can we do about them? And do they pose risks to our health? The study of whether and how microplastics – particles smaller than 5mm – pose threats to human health is still in its infancy.