The Impact of Microplastics on Fish

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No published study has yet directly mined the effects of plastic specks on people. Mice exposed to microplastics in two studies also had a lowered sperm count and fewer, smaller pups compared with control groups. Once there and often buried in sediments, it is unlikely that microplastics will travel elsewhere,. There is no way to clean them up.

Scientists are trying to figure out whether these pervasive plastic specks are dangerous.

Wherever they look – from the bottom of oceans to the top of mountains – researchers are uncovering tiny specks of plastic, known as microplastics.

Scientists are trying to understand the potential impacts of ingesting these pervasive plastics but early results are ambiguous, as some experiments might not reflect the diversity of microplastics that exist in the real world.

This is an audio version of our feature: Microplastics are everywhere — but are they harmful?

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