SETAC plastics Interest Group

Microplastics are either produced intentionally (i.e. primary microplastics, for applications such as toothpaste or cosmetics) or form when larger plastics break down in the environment (i.e. secondary microplastics). 

Plastic waste accumulates in the marine environment because the oceans are a 'dead end' for many pollutants. Yet, microplastics have also been found in soils, sea ice, air, food and drinking water. Research on their persistence and fate in the environment is growing.

Researchers have found that microplastics can have a wide variety of effects on living organisms. More research is required to understand the ultimate toxic effect microplastics may have on ecosystems and organisms, including humans.