The word “microplastic” is relatively new and is often used to describe plastic particles smaller than 5mm in size. However, with initial studies on the effect of tiny plastic particles dating back to the 1960s, humans (and the environment) have been exposed to microplastics for decades.

There are two types of microplastic:

Primary microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are released directly into the environment. They can be used in the production of personal care products or can be emitted via abrasion with other objects, e.g., in the production of large plastic items, the erosion of tires from driving or even washing garments synthetic fibers.

Secondary microplastics are responsible for the majority of tiny plastic fragments released into the environment. They appear when large plastic items (such as plastic bottles or abandoned fishing nets) begin to erode in the sea or ocean.

Credits
Agency: Fork Unstable Media
Client: Merck