Microplastics Everywhere: What They Mean for Our Health and Future
- Julia Kuczynski
- Oct 2
- 2 min read
By Julia Kuczynski
10/3/25
When you hear the word “plastic,” you probably think of water bottles, straws, or grocery bags. But plastics don’t just disappear when we throw them away—they break down into tiny pieces called microplastics. These particles are smaller than 5 millimeters (basically, smaller than a pencil eraser), and they’ve been found everywhere: in the ocean, in the food we eat, in the air we breathe, and even inside the human body.
So how did microplastics become such a massive problem? Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste enter the environment. Instead of biodegrading like paper or food, plastic just breaks into smaller and smaller fragments. Washing synthetic clothes like polyester sheds microfibers into water systems. Car tires release microplastics onto roads that later wash into rivers. Even things like toothpaste and face scrubs used to contain microbeads until many countries banned them. With all these sources, it’s no wonder microplastics are everywhere.
The Scary Part?
Scientists are finding microplastics in places we never expected. They’ve been discovered in seafood, salt, bottled water, and even in human bloodstreams. In 2023, researchers reported finding microplastics in human hearts during surgery, showing how deeply these particles can enter our systems. While scientists are still studying exactly how dangerous this is, some research suggests microplastics may cause inflammation, carry harmful chemicals, and disrupt hormone systems. For teens and kids still growing, that’s especially concerning.
The environment is also taking a hit. Marine animals like fish, turtles, and seabirds often mistake microplastics for food. Once eaten, the plastic can block digestion, cause starvation, or move up the food chain—eventually landing on our dinner plates. Ecosystems are struggling under the weight of human plastic pollution, and microplastics are one of the hardest parts to clean up because they’re basically invisible.
So, what can we actually do about it? First, we can cut back on single-use plastics like water bottles, utensils, and straws. Thrifting or buying natural-fiber clothes helps reduce microfiber pollution from laundry. Supporting brands that use sustainable packaging makes a difference too. On a bigger scale, scientists are working on new filtration systems, biodegradable plastics, and policies to cut plastic waste at the source. It’s not an easy fix, but small changes from our generation could add up to big results.
The reality is this: microplastics are already inside us and all around us. However, instead of ignoring the problem, we can utilize this knowledge to advocate for change. Our generation has the chance to be the one that turns the tide on plastic pollution. The question is, are we willing to make the switch?
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