Microplastics 101
What are microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic, generally defined as being less than 5 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) in length. They can be so small that some are invisible to the naked eye.
They are broadly categorized into two main types:
Primary microplastics: These are intentionally manufactured to be small for specific purposes. Examples include microbeads found in some personal care products (though many are now banned), and plastic pellets (nurdles) used as raw materials in plastic manufacturing.
Secondary microplastics: These form when larger pieces of plastic (like bottles, bags, and fishing gear) break down over time due to environmental factors such as sunlight (UV radiation), heat, wind, waves, and mechanical abrasion. Everyday activities like washing synthetic clothing (releasing microfibers) and tire wear also contribute significantly to secondary microplastic pollution. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Another item of concern is the chemicals leached from plastics when food or water is stored or heated in them.
Where are microplastics found?
Microplastics are found almost everywhere on Earth – in oceans, freshwater systems, soil, the atmosphere, our food, water, and in human and animal bodies. Their widespread presence is a growing concern due to potential environmental and health impacts, which are still being actively researched.
What can I do to be more “plastic safe”
More research is needed, but many researchers recommend using metal or glass water bottles instead of plastic, avoiding the heating of any food in plastic containers that are only designed for storage, and being aware of the use of plastic. The FDA has approved food-safe plastic for storing food. However, it is recommended to follow instructions so that the containers are not misused, which causes problems.
Single-use plastic should be used only once.
Unless a plastic product is labeled dishwasher safe, you should hand-wash it.
Plastic storage containers should not go in the freezer or microwave unless they are designed and clearly labeled that it is safe to do so. Glass, ceramics, and plastic containers must be labeled as microwave safe or not used in this manner.
While it is important to cover food in the refrigerator, and plastic wrap is designed to do so, you can find silicone covers in the store or use a microwave-safe plate to cover your food. This helps eliminate waste along with the accidental use of the wrap in the microwave.
Removing plastics from the environment will require government and corporate efforts. Individuals can also work to do their part to ensure that plastic is recycled or disposed of safely.
References and Further Reading:
Food grade plastics, meal prep, and food safety https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/keeping_food_safe_choosing_food_storage_containers#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20U.S.%20Food,should%20be%20used%20only%20once.
FDA, plastics, and food safety https://www.fda.gov/food/environmental-contaminants-food/microplastics-and-nanoplastics-foods
EPA, what can I do? https://www.epa.gov/trash-free-waters/what-you-can-do-about-trash-pollution
Microplastics, by Illinois EPA https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/water-quality/microplastics.html
Northeast Recycling Council on Microplastics and Recycling
TARA Ocean https://fondationtaraocean.org/en/scientific-news/microplastics-pollution-major-but-invisible/
Europlus, Microplastics What You Need to Know https://europlas.com.vn/en-US/blog-1/all-types-of-microplastics-you-should-know
Microplastics Never Go Away, Stanford University News https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2025/01/what-s-the-deal-with-microplastics-the-material-that-never-goes-away
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events, Marfella R, Prattichizzo F, Sardu C, Fulgenzi G, Graciotti L, Spadoni T, D'Onofrio N, Scisciola L, La Grotta R, Frigé C, Pellegrini V, Municinò M, Siniscalchi M, Spinetti F, Vigliotti G, Vecchione C, Carrizzo A, Accarino G, Squillante A, Spaziano G, Mirra D, Esposito R, Altieri S, Falco G, Fenti A, Galoppo S, Canzano S, Sasso FC, Matacchione G, Olivieri F, Ferraraccio F, Panarese I, Paolisso P, Barbato E, Lubritto C, Balestrieri ML, Mauro C, Caballero AE, Rajagopalan S, Ceriello A, D'Agostino B, Iovino P, Paolisso G. Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events. N Engl J Med. 2024 Mar 7;390(10):900-910. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2309822. PMID: 38446676; PMCID: PMC11009876. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38446676/
How to Limit the Dangers of Microplastics from UCSF researcher https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2024/02/427161/how-to-limit-microplastics-dangers
