Microplastics Infest Arctic

What’s the story?

• Scientists have found record levels of microplastics trapped inside sea ice floating in the Arctic.

What are “microplastics”?

• As Newsweek explained, “Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, fibers, pellets and other fragments with dimensions ranging from just a few micrometers – thousandths of millimeter – to under five millimeters.”
• Many come from the “gradual degradation of larger pieces of plastic waste in the ocean” including car tires, ropes, and paint.
• Microplastics are also found in health and beauty products (like toothpaste), cleansers, and air-blasting technology.

What’s the concern?

• Researchers from the German-based Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) said that as the ice melts, large quantities of microplastics can be released back into the ocean where they can be ingested by sea life.

"No one can say for certain how harmful these tiny plastic particles are for marine life, or ultimately also for human beings," said Ilka Peeken, who led the study.

What do you think?

In 2015, the Microbead-Free Waters Act was signed into law. However, the Act limits the ban to “rinse-off” cosmetic products, such as toothpaste and face wash. Given the recent find in the Arctic, should the Act be expanded to include other personal-care and cleaning products? Hit Take Action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman

(Photo Credit: Oregon State University via Flickr)