Signal Microplastics and nanoplastics are defined by size and reported in human blood, lungs and placentas

Summary

GWI's Microplastics Watch Initiative sets out how it defines the particles at the centre of its concern. Microplastics are plastic pieces under 5 millimetres across, while nanoplastics are smaller still. The Initiative states that both have now been detected in human blood, lungs and placentas. It argues that these findings move plastic pollution from an ecological problem into one of the largest health and wellness challenges of the era. Particles enter the body through eating, breathing and the skin, with reported effects including inflammation, oxidative stress, endocrine and reproductive harm and immune disruption. The Initiative says the wellness industry has both an ethical duty and an opportunity to help move people from awareness to action.