What are microplastics and why are they dangerous?

You've probably heard of microplastics, but you may not realize how close they are to us in our everyday lives. These tiny pieces of plastic find their way into the environment from our clothes, packaging, cosmetics, and even car tires, and are slowly becoming everywhere - in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and even in our food.

Scientists have already detected microplastics in the human body. But why is it such a big problem and how does it affect us?

Meaning and types of microplastics

This name was first used in 2004 , but has now become a generally accepted category.

A microplastic is a synthetic, water-insoluble, irregularly or regularly shaped plastic particle that is between 1 micrometer and 5 millimeters (1μm - 5000 μm) in size.

These can be primary microplastics – those that are already manufactured on a small scale (e.g. synthetic fibers, microbeads, plastic glitter) – or secondary microplastics , which result from the breakdown of larger plastic objects (e.g. bottles, nets, micro-damages).

Meaning and types of microplastics

The physical properties of microplastics – such as their shape (cube, sphere, rod) and surface characteristics – greatly influence their environmental behavior and impact.

• Sharp or fibrous particles can cause mechanical damage,
• Chemicals in or attached to plastics (endocrine disruptors, heavy metals, organic pollutants) pose additional risks (more on this later in the article).

Where are microplastics found in our everyday lives?

Microplastics are literally everywhere. They have been found in waste, dust, fabrics, cosmetics, cleaning products, precipitation, seafood, vegetables, salt and much more .

They are found in the atmosphere, both indoors and outdoors. They can also reach remote, isolated areas. For example, Europe and Central Asia are responsible for about 16% of microplastic emissions to the seas

The dangers of microplastics – why are they a problem?

Although microplastics are barely visible to the naked eye, their impact is even greater: they burden the environment and the organisms of living beings at the same time. Since they appear at the lowest level of the food chain, they accumulate over time in animals and ultimately in the human body. According to research, their presence not only carries environmental risks , but also serious health risks.

Effects of microplastics on animals

In animals and ecosystems, microplastics enter the food chain, for example accumulating in the feeding and respiratory organs of crustaceans and shellfish, which can lead to immune and nervous system damage. On land, for example, microplastics inhibit soil microbial communities, reduce fertility, and can cause the accumulation of toxins.

The impact of microplastics on humans

• Toxic and inflammatory processes: microplastics have been shown in experimental studies to cause oxidative stress, immune response, nerve damage, and metabolic disorders and resulted in developmental/reproductive toxicity.
  
  
• Physical irritation : sharp pieces can cause mechanical inflammation and cell damage.
  
  
• Diseases in Context: A 2025 Scientific Summary According to an article in the Financial Times, microplastics, when inhaled, have been linked to digestive, respiratory and reproductive problems, including the potential for colon cancer and fertility disorders. It also talks about how the presence of microplastics in capillaries and arteries may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
  
  
• Increasing environmental and biological burden: Due to climate change, more frequent storms and floods are spreading microplastics further, and changing currents are transporting them to new areas.

What is the EU doing against microplastics?

The European Union has taken several initiatives against microplastics in recent years. The REACH regulation came into force on October 17, 2023. The restriction on synthetic polymer particles, in addition to the Circular Economy Action Plan, requires mandatory measures to reuse plastic packaging and reduce microplastic emissions – particularly in areas such as tires and textiles.

The EU is also planning a review of its water and wastewater directives, which will include regulatory monitoring and limit values ​​for microplastics. While there is no binding regulation at the global level yet, negotiations are currently underway to establish a “Global Plastics Convention” that would comprehensively address the regulation of plastic production and related chemicals.

What will be the fate of this global pollution?

The European Union has taken action against microplastics with several regulations:

• From October 17, 2023, the REACH regulation restricts the use of synthetic polymers.
• The Circular Economy Action Plan stipulates mandatory measures for the reuse of plastic packaging.
• They also plan to revise the water and wastewater directives , introducing microplastic monitoring.

Negotiations are also underway at a global level to create a “Global Plastics Convention” .

How can you avoid microplastics?

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Not only will your body, but the planet will thank you.

Summary

• Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic, barely visible to the naked eye, that are now present everywhere – in the air, water, our food, and even in the human body.

• Although their size is small, their impact is significant: they damage ecosystems, accumulate in animals, and there is growing evidence that they also pose a threat to human health.

• The European Union has already taken action against them with several regulations, while negotiations on a comprehensive plastics agreement are also underway at the global level.

• However, the problem will not be solved by itself, as plastic production continues to increase, so in the long term, their impact can only be mitigated through joint regulation and conscious consumer decisions.

Frequently asked questions about microplastics

❓ What is microplastic in simple terms?

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic between 1 micrometer and 5 millimeters in size. They enter the environment from clothing, packaging, cosmetics and tires, and are found almost everywhere – in the water, the air and our food.

❓ What danger do microplastics pose to humans?
Research suggests that microplastics can cause inflammation, cell damage, metabolic disorders, and respiratory problems. There is growing evidence that they may be linked to digestive diseases, fertility problems, and even cardiovascular risks.

❓ How can I avoid microplastics in my everyday life?
It's impossible to avoid it completely, but you can reduce your exposure by choosing organic cotton clothes instead of synthetic ones, avoiding all cosmetics and cleaning products containing microplastics, and preferring sustainable, microplastic-free brands.

❓ What is the European Union doing against microplastics?
The EU has taken action with several regulations: it has restricted the use of synthetic polymers (REACH regulation), introduced measures for the reuse of plastic packaging, and plans to regularly monitor microplastics in the water and wastewater directives.

Are there microplastics in drinking water?

– Yes, several studies have shown that microplastics are present in both tap and bottled drinking water. Although the exact health effects are still under research, the WHO is also following the problem with special attention.

How much microplastics do we ingest in a year?

– According to a 2019 study, people may ingest up to 50,000–120,000 microplastic particles per year through food, drink, and air. This is an average of about 5 grams , or the weight of a credit card.

At PatentDuo, we believe that small steps of conscious choices matter. With our organic cotton collection, you are not only giving your body skin-friendly, comfortable wear, but also supporting the planet towards a more microplastic-free future.