Microplastics: A Silent Poison
- Dhaani Jeevanani
- Jun 16, 2025
- 4 min read
In the early 1970s, scientists found the first evidence of microplastics in the ocean. They took a look at these 5mm particles and brushed them under the rug as something that would not harm humans in any way. After all, how could something so small cause such a big problem that is even worth worrying about?
However, looks can be deceiving…
Of the 5.25 trillion plastic particles that are in the Ocean, 92% are microplastics… Let's talk about it.
Microplastics are found in all oceans and are much harder to track than regular plastic. They come from larger plastic items that break down over time, like plastic bags, bottles, and even clothing fibers. Unlike bigger pieces of trash like bottles or bags, microplastics are super hard to see. Ocean currents carry them all over the place, from the surface to the deepest parts of the ocean, making it really hard to track them. This means that they will become increasingly difficult to find if we do not take action soon.
How Do Microplastics Harm Marine Life?
Microplastics are a huge threat to marine animals like fish, turtles, and seabirds. They mistake these tiny plastics for food and eat them. This can:
Block their digestive systems
Make them feel full even when they're starving
Poison them with toxic chemicals
This leads to a phenomenon known as the ripple effect. The ripple effect is when one small action triggers a series of unintended subsequent events. When small creatures like plankton eat microplastics, it messes up the entire food chain, leading to fewer fish, sick coral reefs, and damage to biodiversity.
Why are they important?
A 2015 study indicates that there are about 8 million tons worth of plastic in our oceans, and only 1 percent of those have been found. This suggests that the bulk of plastic in the ocean are microplastics, which can decompose to the point where they are completely invisible making them impossible to recover. However, in our minds, this data is considered null and void as long as it doesn’t pose a risk to humans. As mentioned, microplastics are these little tiny pieces of plastic not worth wasting our resources over, so they cannot possibly harm us, right?
Wrong.
How Microplastics Affect Human Health
Microplastics are not just an environmental issue — they pose a real threat to human health. One major way they enter our bodies is through the food chain. When marine animals and other wildlife consume microplastics, the harmful chemicals embedded in those plastics can accumulate in their bodies. And when humans eat these animals, those toxic substances can make their way into our systems. These plastics often contain dangerous chemicals that are not meant to be ingested. Exposure to them has been linked to a range of serious health issues, including hormone disruption, inflammation, and even cancer. As research continues to uncover the long-term effects of microplastics, it's becoming clear that minimizing our exposure is not just good for the planet — it's crucial for our well-being. This data leads to the big question:
How can we prevent eating microplastics?
Fortunately for you, there are a multitude of ways to prevent you from getting these little devils into your system. These are very small, easy to do actions such as eating lower in the food chain (smaller fishes), using a good water filter, and supporting plastic-free packaging. Thank me later.
What Can We Do to Help Save the Ocean?
If I have inspired you yet to take action and fight against this, read the following to see what actions you can take to do so. If I haven’t, read this article again, paying specific attention to the various statistics and numbers I have provided, and once you reach this section, see how you feel.
Reduce plastic use: Bring reusable bags, bottles, and containers.
Participate in beach cleanups: Every piece of trash removed is one less piece that can break into microplastics!
Spread awareness: Talk to your friends and family about microplastics.
Support companies and laws that fight plastic pollution ex: Oceana, Ocean Conservancy
These are all examples of some small actions you can take to make a big change in the coastal environment. Though it may not seem like much, remember, a journey of a 1000 miles starts with one step.
Some Documentaries and Articles Related to this:
If you feel you need some extra knowledge on the topic, or just bored and have nothing to do, here are some documentaries and articles I recommend related to this issue:
"A Plastic Ocean" (Netflix) — Shows how plastic is affecting marine life.
"The Story of Plastic" (YouTube) — Talks about how plastic gets into our environment.
National Geographic: "Microplastics Are Everywhere" — A great article explaining the science behind it.
I have reviewed all of these in my Review Articles Section of the blog. Feel free to dive a little deeper by reading this!
Conclusion: The Bottom Line
Microplastics may be small and often go unnoticed, but their consequences are monumental. They stealthily invade our ecosystems and food chains, posing a grave threat to both marine life and human health. It's time to confront this issue head-on. We must spread awareness, engage in conversations, and take decisive action to reduce our plastic footprint. Let’s not wait for change—let’s be the generation that demands it.
Source: Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionMarine Microplastics - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
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Next time: Deforestation and Its Impact on Biodiversity 🌳
