Solving the world’s microplastics problem: 4 solutions cities and states are trying after global treaty talks collapsed

Microplastics are a growing concern in marine environments. As they break down, the particles can become microscopic. Oregon State University via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Microplastics seem to be everywhere – in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat. They have turned up in human organs, blood, testicles, placentas and even brains.

While the full health consequences of that exposure are not yet known, researchers are exploring potential links between microplastics and negative health effects such as male infertility, inflammation, liver disease and other metabolic problems, and heart attack or stroke.