Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic, usually less than 5 millimeters in size, that are found in the environment. They can be created intentionally, such as microbeads in cosmetics or fibers from clothing, or they can form when larger plastic items break down over time. Microplastics enter natural environments like water, soil, and air through sources such as personal care products, fabric fibers, industrial waste, packaging materials, and everyday items like bottles and bags.

There are two main types of microplastics. Primary microplastics are already small when they are released into the environment. Examples include plastic beads, glitter, and tiny plastic pellets used in manufacturing. Secondary microplastics form when larger plastic objects, like bottles or plastic bags, break apart due to sunlight, wind, or water. These broken pieces become microplastics over time.

Microplastics are found in many places, including oceans, rivers, soil, and even the air. They can be inhaled or eaten by animals and plants, which can harm ecosystems. In soil, microplastics can reduce the health of living organisms that help plants grow.

Over time, microplastics may break down further into even smaller pieces called nanoplastics. Nanoplastics are smaller than 1 micrometer, which is one-thousandth of a millimeter. They are too small to see with the naked eye and can move through the environment in ways that are still being studied.

Classification

The term "microplastics" was first used in a scientific paper published in 2004 by Professor Richard Thompson, a marine biologist at the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom. However, earlier examples of the term being used in connection with marine pollution can be found in scientific studies from the early 1990s, throughout the 1990s, and into the early 2000s. Evidence also suggests that scientists who first used the term had been researching the topic as early as the late 1980s.

Microplastics are found in many places today. In 2014, scientists estimated that between 15 and 51 trillion individual pieces of microplastic exist in the world’s oceans, with a total weight between 93,000 and 236,000 metric tons. Over time, plastic breaks down into tiny pieces called microplastics, or even smaller pieces called nanoplastics, due to sunlight, wind, waves, and other natural processes.

Primary microplastics are small plastic pieces intentionally made for specific uses. They are often found in facial cleansers and cosmetics, or in air-blasting technology used to clean machinery, engines, and boat hulls. These scrubbers, made from materials like acrylic, melamine, or polyester, are used until they wear down and can no longer clean effectively. At this point, they may become contaminated with heavy metals like cadmium, chromium, and lead. While some companies have reduced the use of microbeads, certain bioplastic microbeads still take a long time to break down, especially in cosmetics.

Secondary microplastics are small plastic pieces created when larger plastic items break down over time. This happens through physical, biological, and chemical processes, such as sunlight exposure, which weakens the structure of plastic until it becomes too small to see. This breakdown process is called fragmentation. Some studies suggest that biodegradable plastics may break down into more microplastics than non-biodegradable plastics in both seawater and freshwater.

Microplastic fibers enter the environment when synthetic clothing is washed, and when tires wear down during use. Tiny plastic pellets, used to make other products, can also enter ecosystems through spills or accidents.

A 2015 report by the Norwegian Environment Agency suggested that classifying microplastics as "primary" is helpful because these plastics are added by humans through products and materials, rather than forming naturally from the breakdown of larger plastic items.

Nanoplastics are smaller than microplastics, measuring less than 1 micrometer (1,000 nanometers) or even less than 100 nanometers. Scientists are still studying whether nanoplastics are temporary byproducts of microplastic breakdown or a long-term environmental risk. Nanoplastics have been found in the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre. New scientific tools, such as Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence methods, may help measure nanoplastic levels in the environment more accurately.

Nanoplastics are considered a potential risk to both the environment and human health. Their tiny size allows them to pass through cell membranes and disrupt cell function. Studies show that nanoplastics can enter the bodies of fish, accumulating in organs like the brain and gallbladder. They may also interfere with bone cell activity, leading to improper bone formation. Research on nanoplastic effects in humans is limited, but studies in zebrafish and water fleas suggest they can cause stress responses, affect growth and reproduction, and interact with harmful chemicals like antibiotics. These interactions may spread antibiotic-resistant bacteria through soil, as seen in experiments with nematodes.

Sources of microplastics

The presence of microplastics in the environment is often studied using water-based research. Scientists collect samples of plankton, examine sandy and muddy soil, observe how animals eat microplastics, and test how microplastics interact with harmful chemicals in the water.

Microplastics are also tiny particles found in the air. A 2017 report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) said microplastics are a major cause of pollution in the ocean. These tiny plastics can take in heavy metals from seawater.

Microplastics can enter land areas through several ways, such as broken-down plastic films used in farming, compost and sewage sludge, dust from the air, water running off the land, and irrigation. How microplastics spread in soil depends on how land is used, farming methods, and weather conditions.

Studies show microplastics can be found in soil even without direct use of plastic. This suggests that small amounts of microplastics can build up over time through many different sources.

The main way humans come into contact with microplastics is by eating them. Microplastics are found in everyday items like drinking water, bottled water, seafood, salt, sugar, tea bags, milk, and other foods.

In 2017, more than eight million tons of plastic entered the ocean, which is over 33 times the total plastic in the ocean by 2015. One result of this is that ocean animals eat microplastics. It is estimated that Europeans consume about 11,000 microplastic particles per person each year from eating shellfish.

Microplastics can get into drinking water through several ways, such as water running off the land after rain, wastewater from homes and factories, overflow from sewers, industrial waste, broken-down plastic, and dust from the air. Water runoff and wastewater are the main sources, but more research is needed to understand exactly where microplastics come from. Plastic bottles and bottle caps used in bottled water have been confirmed as sources of microplastics in drinking water.

Microplastics are also found in soil, especially in farmland. These tiny plastics can move into the water system of plants and travel to roots, stems, leaves, and fruit. When microplastics enter farmland through compost, sewage, or plastic films used in farming, they can pollute food and increase the risk of humans eating them. A 2023 study found that microplastics can lower soil health and reduce crop growth by harming soil microbes and water storage.

Many man-made fibers, such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex, can come off clothing and stay in the environment. Each piece of clothing washed can release over 1,900 microplastic fibers, with fleeces releasing the most, more than 170% more than other clothing. In a typical load of 6 kilograms (13 pounds) of laundry, over 700,000 fibers can be released in one wash.

Filters in washing machines can help reduce the number of microfibers that go to wastewater treatment plants.

These microfibers have been found in the food chain, from tiny sea creatures to large animals like whales. Polyester is the most common fiber in clothing and is used instead of cotton because it is cheaper to make. However, these fibers contribute to microplastics staying in land, air, and ocean environments. Washing clothes causes each liter of water to have over 100 fibers. This has been linked to possible health risks from chemicals released during manufacturing, such as monomers, dyes, and plastic softeners. These fibers are found in homes and make up 33% of all fibers in indoor spaces.

Studies have measured how much fiber is in the air indoors and outdoors. Indoors, there are between 1.0 and 60.0 fibers per cubic meter of air, while outdoors, there are fewer, between 0.3 and 1.5 fibers per cubic meter. Indoors, about 1,586 to 11,130 fibers settle on each square meter of surface every day, adding up to around 190 to 670 fibers per milligram of dust.

Plastic containers can release microplastics and tiny particles into food and drinks.

In one study, 93% of bottled water from 11 brands had microplastics, with an average of 325 particles per liter. Brands like Nestlé Pure Life and Gerolsteiner had the most, with 930 and 807 particles per liter, respectively. San Pellegrino had the least. Bottled water had twice as many microplastics as tap water. A 2024 study found 240,000 tiny plastic pieces per liter, with 10% between 5 mm and 1 micrometer in size and 90% smaller than 1 micrometer.

Some of the contamination may come from the process of bottling water or from filters used to clean it.

In 2020, researchers found that baby bottles made of polypropylene can release microplastics when used with warm liquids. In 48 regions, infants could be exposed to between 14,600 and 4,550,000 microplastic particles per day. Similar results were seen with other polypropylene products, like lunchboxes. In 2021, studies showed that silicone baby bottle nipples can break down over time from repeated sterilization, releasing tiny silicone particles. Using these degraded nipples for a year could cause a baby to swallow over 660,000 particles.

Common single-use plastic items, like plastic cups or paper cups with plastic linings, release trillions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles into water during normal use. These items end up in water systems, and policies that reduce single-use plastics are seen as effective ways to fight plastic pollution.

Plastics are widely used in construction and home renovation. Activities like building, repairing, or renovating homes

Exposure pathways

Airborne microplastics have been found in the atmosphere, both indoors and outdoors. These tiny plastic pieces can be carried by the wind to faraway places. A 2017 study found that indoor air contained between 1.0 and 60.0 microfibers per cubic meter, with 33% of these being microplastics. Another study in Tehran found 2,649 microplastic particles in 10 samples of street dust, with concentrations ranging from 83 to 605 particles per 30.0 grams of dust. Microplastics and microfibers have also been discovered in snow and in "clean" air high in mountain areas, far from where they originated. Like freshwater and soil, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of airborne microplastics.

A growing problem related to plastic pollution in the ocean is the use of microplastics. These are small plastic pieces less than 5 millimeters wide, often found in soaps, face cleansers, and other products that remove dead skin. When these products are washed down the drain, the microplastics pass through water treatment systems and enter the ocean. Because they are so small, they often avoid being caught by the filters at wastewater plants. These tiny plastics harm ocean life, especially filter feeders, which may accidentally eat them and become sick. Microplastics are hard to clean up because of their size, so people can help by choosing products that use safe, non-plastic exfoliants.

Plastic is used widely around the world, so microplastics are common in the ocean. They have been found in sandy beaches, surface water, deep sea sediment, and in the water column. Microplastics are also mixed with other materials in the ocean, such as dead plant or animal matter and soil particles carried by wind or rivers. The number of microplastics in an area is often linked to how many people live nearby and how close the area is to cities.

Plastic pollution has been found in the Antarctic and Arctic, including in sea ice. In 2009, plastic was discovered in Antarctic sea ice for the first time, with 96 microplastic particles from 14 types of plastic found in a sample from East Antarctica. The size of these particles suggests pollution sources are nearby.

Microplastics are common in freshwater environments. A 2011 study found an average of 37.8 microplastic fragments per square meter in Lake Huron sediment. Other studies have found microplastics in all the Great Lakes, with an average of 43,000 particles per square kilometer. In Poland, a 2019 study found microplastics in all 30 lakes studied, with concentrations ranging from 0.27 to 1.57 particles per liter. In Canada, a three-year study found an average of 193,420 microplastic particles per square kilometer in Lake Winnipeg. Most of these were fibers from broken-down plastic, clothing, or atmospheric dust. The highest recorded microplastic concentration was found in the Rhine River, with 4,000 particles per kilogram of water.

Scientists found microplastics in Richland Creek in Western North Carolina. About 90% of the microplastics were fibers, likely from clothing, city runoff, or dust from the air.

Microplastics are expected to be found in soil, but few studies have focused on this. In wetlands, microplastic levels are lower where there is more plant life. Some microplastics may reach soil if water treatment plants fail to remove all plastic fibers from wastewater. Soil animals like earthworms and mites may also help create microplastics by breaking down plastic they eat. More research is needed to understand this better. Studies have shown that using organic waste materials containing synthetic fibers can lead to microplastics in soil, but most research only notes their presence without details about how much or where they come from.

A 2015 study of 15 salt brands in China found more microplastics in sea salt than in lake, rock, or well salt. This is likely because sea salt is polluted by ocean water, while other salts are polluted during production. A 2017 estimate said people who eat seafood may consume 11,000 microplastic pieces each year. A 2019 study found 440 microplastic particles in a kilogram of sugar, 110 in a kilogram of salt, and 94 in a liter of bottled water.

Composition

The makeup of microplastics is complicated. A 2023 study examined certain fish species and found that "about 80% of the microplastics found were thread-like in shape and made of polyethylene (25%), polyester (20%), and polyamide (10%). Most microplastic pieces observed were black (61%) or blue (27%) in color."

Microplastics contain two kinds of chemicals. The first are additives and materials used to make plastic, such as monomers or oligomers. Additives are chemicals added during plastic production to give plastic features like color and transparency and to improve the durability of plastic products. These improvements help plastic resist damage from ozone, temperature, light, mold, bacteria, humidity, and mechanical, thermal, and electrical stress. Examples of additives in microplastics include fillers, plasticizers, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, lubricants, dyes, and flame-retardants. The second type of chemicals comes from the environment around the microplastics.

Effects on the environment

In 2008, a group of international researchers at the University of Washington in Tacoma found that microplastics were a problem in the ocean. They studied how often these tiny plastic pieces appear in the environment, how long they stay there, how they might increase over time, and how marine animals eat them.

A review by the European Union's Scientific Advice Mechanism in 2019 showed that microplastics were found everywhere in the environment. At that time, there was no clear evidence that microplastics caused major harm to ecosystems. However, scientists warned that if pollution continued at the same rate, risks could become widespread in the next 100 years.

By 2020, microplastics had been found in freshwater areas like marshes, streams, and lakes across many continents, including Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Australia. In the United States, samples from 29 rivers near the Great Lakes showed that 98% of the plastic particles found were microplastics, ranging from 0.355 mm to 4.75 mm in size. Microplastics were also found in high mountain areas, far from where they started.

In 2020, studies in China found plastic in ocean sediments that were much older than the invention of plastics. This suggests that microplastics in surface ocean samples might be undercounted.

In September 2021, Hurricane Larry spread 113,000 microplastic particles per square meter each day over Newfoundland, Canada. Research suggested these particles came from the ocean, as the storm passed through the North Atlantic garbage patch.

A 2025 study in China showed that typhoons can move microplastics from the ocean to the air. Typhoon Gaemi, for example, spread up to 12,722 microplastic particles per square meter each day in Ningbo, which was 54 times more than usual levels in Beijing. The study showed that typhoons pull microplastics from the ocean and send them into the air through sea spray, carrying them toward land.

By 2023, research on microplastic pollution had grown quickly, with most studies focusing on oceans and estuaries. Scientists asked for better sharing of data to help solve the problem.

A 2023 study identified a disease called plasticosis, which causes fibrosis in seabirds due to plastic ingestion. This is different from physical damage because it involves long-term changes in tissue and inflammation.

The long-term effects of plastic decay and pollution have mostly been ignored. Large amounts of plastic in the environment, over time, break down and release harmful chemicals, a process called "toxicity debt."

Microplastics are tiny, less than 5 mm in size. These small particles can be eaten by many animals and enter the food chain, becoming part of their bodies.

Microplastics can be taken in by animals through eating or breathing. Studies showed that when animals are exposed to high amounts of microplastics over time, they can build up in their guts and gills. For example, lugworms and crabs have been found with microplastics in their digestive and respiratory systems. Fish may accidentally eat microplastics, thinking they are food. This can block their stomach

Human health

Although scientists are still studying how microplastics affect human health, they can use models that show how the body absorbs tiny materials made during industrial processes. Many lab and animal studies have found that microplastics and nanoplastics can harm the body by causing physical stress, cell death, inflammation, and changes in how the body handles oxygen and immune responses. Microplastic pollution has been linked to health problems like breathing difficulties and inflammation, but it was unclear if these issues were directly caused by microplastics. These particles are often found in the brain, especially in materials like polyethylene.

Microplastics often contain harmful chemicals, such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), which can interfere with hormone systems. These chemicals and the microplastics themselves may disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, a system that controls male reproductive health.

A study from Harvard found that microplastics are connected to inflammation, cell death, effects on the lungs and liver, changes in the gut’s bacteria, and altered processes for making lipids and hormones.

Many studies have shown that microplastics can cause inflammation in the human body. One lab study found that very small particles made of polystyrene, a material with low toxicity, can trigger inflammation because of their large surface area. Another study found signs of inflammation and debris in human joints from polyethylene used in prostheses, such as knee and hip replacements.

Lab studies have also shown that polystyrene nanoparticles can cause stress in cells, leading to cell death in certain ways. However, no major harm was seen in the livers, intestines, testes, lungs, hearts, spleens, or kidneys of mice after they were exposed to a mix of microplastics.

Recent research has shown that microplastics and nanoplastics can harm how cells use energy in both lab tests and animal studies. When human lung cells were exposed to negatively charged polystyrene nanoparticles, they activated ion channels, increasing electrical activity in the cells. These particles also caused changes in how cells move materials and distribute proteins involved in cell division, leading to the formation of cells with two nuclei.

A report from Stanford Medicine stated that microplastics are common in the human body and have been found in babies through the placenta and breast milk. They have also been discovered in the brain, heart, and bodily fluids like urine. Early research suggests these particles can cause harm, linking them to inflammation, immune system issues, tissue damage, digestive problems, and breathing difficulties. A 2024 study found that people with microplastics in their artery plaque had a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death. Recent studies also show that microplastics can change how genes work, possibly leading to blood vessel diseases and long-term health issues.

Prevention

Some suggested ways to control dust include covering cutting areas with tarps, cutting materials inside protective tents, and using vacuum bags on power tools when working with materials like Trex and Azek. These methods are inexpensive. Street sweeping can also help reduce pollution by collecting dirt and debris from construction, renovation, and rebuilding projects for roads, tunnels, bridges, and buildings.

Some researchers suggest burning plastics to create energy, a process called energy recovery. This method recovers energy from plastics that would otherwise be wasted in landfills. However, unlike recycling, this process does not reduce the total amount of plastic produced. Recycling is seen as a better solution because it reduces the amount of plastic waste.

Biodegradation is another way to address microplastic waste. In this process, tiny living things called microorganisms use enzymes to break down synthetic plastics. Once broken down, these plastics can be used as energy or carbon sources. These microbes might also help treat sewage wastewater, reducing the amount of microplastics that enter the environment.

Removing microplastics through wastewater treatment is important to stop them from entering natural water systems. However, the sludge collected during treatment is often used as fertilizer, which can cause microplastics to enter waterways through runoff.

Fionn Ferreira, the 2019 Google Science Fair winner, is creating a device that uses a special liquid called ferrofluid to remove microplastics from water.

The Ocean Cleanup, a Dutch organization, aims to remove 90% of ocean microplastics. However, many experts criticize this project because it only targets large plastics (larger than 2 cm), which are not classified as microplastics. The project is also seen as impractical due to engineering challenges and the fact that most plastics are found deeper in the ocean than the device can reach.

Some bacteria can eat plastic, and scientists have modified certain bacteria to break down specific types of plastics. Other bacteria have been engineered to trap microplastics in their biofilms, making it easier to remove them. These trapped microplastics can later be released using a special mechanism.

Absorption devices, such as sponges made from cotton and squid bones, may be useful for cleaning water in large projects.

Microplastics are hard to detect because they are so small. Traditional methods include counting them under a microscope and using a tool called Raman microspectrometry to identify their type. Scientists have also engineered microbes to detect microplastics by producing a glowing protein.

However, methods to detect micro- and nanoplastics are not fully standardized. Differences in how samples are collected and tested can lead to inaccurate results. For example, using larger mesh sizes in water samples may miss smaller particles. These issues make it difficult to compare results between labs and assess the true impact of microplastics.

Teaching people about recycling can help reduce microplastic pollution. While this is a smaller solution, education has been shown to reduce littering, especially in cities where plastic waste is common. Increasing recycling efforts could create a cycle of reuse, reducing waste and the need for new plastic production. To do this, governments would need better recycling systems and improved technology to recycle smaller plastics.

In April 2013, Italian artist Maria Cristina Finucci created The Garbage Patch State with support from UNESCO and the Italian Ministry of the Environment to raise awareness about plastic pollution.

In February 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started the "Trash-Free Waters" initiative to stop single-use plastics from entering waterways and oceans. By 2018, the EPA worked with the United Nations and the Peace Corps to clean up the Caribbean Sea. It also funded projects in the San Francisco Bay Area to reduce the use of single-use plastics like cups and straws on university campuses.

The Florida Microplastic Awareness Project (FMAP) is a group of volunteers who collect microplastics from coastal water samples. Many organizations work to reduce microplastic pollution and raise awareness. Global efforts aim to meet the United Nations' goal of reducing marine pollution by 2025.

The Clean Oceans Initiative, started in 2018 by European banks and development agencies, aimed to provide up to €4 billion in funding by 2023 to clean waterways and reduce plastic pollution. The project focuses on improving waste management in rivers and coastal areas. By December 2023, the initiative had funded over €3.2 billion, helping more than 20 million people in countries like Sri Lanka, China, and South Africa. In 2022, the initiative increased its funding goal to €4 billion by 2025. As of early 2023, the program had spent €2.6 billion on 60 projects across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe.

Policy and legislation

As people learn more about the harmful effects of microplastics on the environment, groups are working to remove and ban microplastics from products. One group, called "Beat the Microbead," helps remove plastics from personal care products. Another group, the Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation, runs the Global Microplastics Initiative. This project collects water samples to help scientists study how microplastics spread in the environment. UNESCO supports research and global programs because microplastic pollution affects areas across national borders. These groups will continue to push companies to stop using plastics in their products to protect ecosystems.

In 2018, China stopped accepting recyclable materials from other countries. This made other countries rethink their recycling plans. The Yangtze River in China sends 55 percent of all plastic waste to the oceans. Including microplastics, the river carries about 500,000 pieces of plastic per square kilometer.

In 2019, Scientific American reported that China is responsible for dumping 30 percent of all plastics into the ocean.

The European Commission has noticed growing concerns about microplastics harming the environment. In April 2018, the European Commission asked scientists to review evidence about microplastic pollution through the EU’s Scientific Advice Mechanism. A group of scientists from European academies completed the review in January 2019. A report based on this review was shared with the European Commission in 2019. The Commission will use this report to decide if new policies are needed to reduce microplastic pollution.

In January 2019, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) suggested limiting the use of microplastics added intentionally to products.

The European Union contributes about 10 percent of the world’s total microplastic waste, or about 150,000 tons each year. This is 200 grams of microplastics per person annually, with differences in microplastic production across regions.

The European Commission’s Circular Economy Action Plan requires recycling and reducing waste for key products, such as plastic packaging. The plan aims to stop the use of microplastics in products and includes steps to capture microplastics at every stage of a product’s life. For example, the plan will study ways to reduce microplastics from tires and textiles. The Commission also plans to update the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive to address microplastic waste and other pollution. They want to protect the environment from harmful waste in industrial and urban water. A revision to the EU Drinking Water Directive was approved to ensure microplastics are regularly checked in drinking water. Countries must find solutions if problems are found.

The REACH restriction on synthetic polymer microparticles became effective on 17 October 2023.

Haiti does not have a system for collecting and treating waste. As a result, plastic waste is often dumped into urban water canals, where it breaks down into microplastics. Because of warm temperatures and 12 hours of sunlight daily, plastics in waterways may break down faster. This waste enters Port-au-Prince Bay, harming the environment with pollutants and increasing risks from ocean acidification.

In 2012, the Haitian government banned the production, import, sale, and use of polyethylene bags and expanded polystyrene items for food. However, 14 Caribbean countries have banned single-use plastic bags and/or polystyrene containers.

In 2013, the Haitian government banned the import, production, and sale of expanded polystyrene items for food again. In 2018, officials announced that teams would be sent to enforce this rule.

In 2024, Hong Kong started the first phase of its plastic restriction rules. Videos were made to encourage people to bring their own utensils and shopping bags instead of using disposable items. Stores are not allowed to give customers plastic products.

In 2018, Japan passed a law to reduce microplastic production and pollution, especially in water. This law, created by the Environment Ministry, focuses on personal care products like face wash and toothpaste. It also includes education and awareness about recycling. The Environment Ministry suggested ways to monitor microplastics in the ocean. However, the law does not punish companies that continue using microplastics.

In England, the Environmental Protection (Microbeads) Regulations 2017 banned the production of rinse-off personal care products with microbeads, such as exfoliants. People who break this law must pay fines. If fines are not paid, manufacturers may be stopped from producing until they follow the rules. Legal action could happen if the rules are ignored.

In the United States, some states have taken steps to reduce microplastic pollution. In 2014, Illinois became the first U.S. state to ban cosmetics with microplastics. At the federal level, the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015, signed by President Barack Obama in 2015, banned "rinse-off" products like face wash and toothpaste. This law took effect in 2017 for manufacturing and 2018 for selling products. In 2020, California defined "microplastics in drinking water" to help study their effects on health.

In 2018, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a law to reduce microplastics as part of the Save Our Seas Act. This law supports the NOAA Marine Debris Program and focuses on cleaning up and studying plastic pollution in the Great Lakes. President Donald Trump signed the law into effect in 2018.

By June 2025, sixteen towns along the New Jersey coast had passed rules to limit microplastic pollution from construction sites.

Studies debunk

Studies about microplastics have been questioned by many scientists, and some have been found to be incorrect. Research about microplastics in brain tissue has been challenged because fats in the brain might be mistaken for a type of plastic called polyethylene, leading to overestimations of microplastic levels. Fats in human tissue can also create fumes similar to those from polyethylene and PVC plastics, which may cause errors in tests that use pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to detect microplastics. Additionally, particles from the stearate salt coating on standard latex and nitrile gloves can rub off during testing. These particles are similar in size and shape to microscopic polyethylene, which can trick infrared light techniques used to scan for microplastics. This may make tests show more plastic particles per square millimeter in examined organs than actually exist.