Plastics surround us...
…they are almost everywhere in the consumer products of our everyday lives. But as practical as they are, they also represent an environmental burden that cannot be ignored.
PLASTIC SURROUND US…
PLASTIC SURROUND US…
…they are almost everywhere in the consumer products of our everyday lives. But as practical as they are, they also represent an environmental burden that cannot be ignored.
The most common types of plastics are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS) and rubbers mostly used in tyre wear. Microplastics are plastic particles ranging from 1 μm to 5 mm in size. And nano plastics are plastic particles even smaller than microplastics with a size range of less than 1 µm.
A distinction is also made between primary and secondary microplastics.
Primary microplastics are intentionally manufactured at a microscopic size. They are commonly found in cosmetics, personal care products, and as nurdles which are small plastic pellets used as raw materials in plastic production.
Secondary microplastics are formed when larger plastic or rubber products, such as packaging, PET bottles, or synthetic textiles when they break down under physical or chemical stress.
Both types pose serious threats to the environment and may also represent a significant health risk.
The most common types of plastics are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS) and rubbers mostly used in tyre wear. Microplastics are plastic particles ranging from 1 μm to 5 mm in size. And nano plastics are plastic particles even smaller than microplastics with a size range of less than 1 µm.
A distinction is also made between primary and secondary microplastics.
Primary microplastics are intentionally manufactured at a microscopic size. They are commonly found in cosmetics, personal care products, and as nurdles which are small plastic pellets used as raw materials in plastic production.
Secondary microplastics are formed when larger plastic or rubber products, such as packaging, PET bottles, or synthetic textiles when they break down under physical or chemical stress.
Both types pose serious threats to the environment and may also represent a significant health risk.
Once plastics are released into the environment they can persist for thousands of years. What is often referred to as the degradation of plastic products is, in reality, their fragmentation into smaller particles ending up as nonoplasics. These particles, often invisible to the naked eye, enter natural cycles and spread widely.
Everyday processes generate vast amounts of microplastics:
- Plastic disposed of in the environment
- The washing of synthetic clothing and textiles
- The wear and tear of car tyres
- Waste from construction activities
- Improper recycling activities
These particles are released into soil, freshwater, and seas and oceans. Carried by wind and weather, they also enter the atmosphere, travelling vast distances far from their original sources.
Recent studies have highlighted the presence of microplastics and in human lungs, blood, and even breast milk. These particles can carry hazardous chemicals and potentially pose a threat to human health and the environment, making their presence in the air a growing concern.
While the full consequences of airborne microplastics are still unclear, their potential risks could be serious.
To better understand the presence and risks of microplastics in the air, Eurofins’ Plastic Dust Cloud research project is measuring airborne microplastic concentrations in urban and rural locations worldwide. Eurofins experts are also developing advanced analytical methods to accurately detect and quantify microplastic pollution in the environment.