Today, Explained Plastic rain
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Jul 11, 2025 
Benji Jones, an environmental correspondent at Vox, dives into the alarming reality of plastic rain and its widespread implications. He explores how microplastics are infiltrating ecosystems and even accumulating in human brains, especially among those with dementia. The podcast delves into the serious health risks associated with plastic pollution, revealing connections to severe conditions like strokes and cancer. Jones draws parallels between the historical fight against acid rain and the urgent need for collective action to tackle growing plastic pollution.
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Microplastics Are Everywhere
- Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters long, present virtually everywhere on Earth.
- They have been found in rain, snow, oceans, sediments, fish, and even in the human body.
Microplastics Reach Lungs and Brain
- Microplastics have been found in dolphin breath and the human brain, showing deep ecosystem and human exposure.
- Nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier, raising serious health concerns.
Health Risks of Microplastics
- Exposure to microplastics is linked to many health problems like cardiovascular disease and fertility issues.
- Plastic chemicals like phthalates can disrupt hormones and cause inflammation in the body.