Are Microplastics Really in Everything – Even My Brain?
April 30, 2025 | Source: The Guardian | by Guardian Staff
What are microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic.
The usual definition is anything under 5mm in length or about the diameter of a grain of rice.
Where do microplastics come from?
Microplastics may be created and intentionally added to consumer products, such as the tiny beads in face and body scrubs, or formed when larger plastic items degrade over time.
Primary microplastics are manufactured at that size – for instance, in industrial exfoliants or commercial cosmetic products containing microbeads.
Secondary microplastics come from the breakdown of larger plastic materials such asdisposable water bottles, packaging, straws, car tyres or toys.