Context-Microplastics are increasingly found in drinking water, but there is no evidence so far that this poses a risk to humans, according to a new assessment new by the World Health Organization.

• Larger microplastics (those bigger than 150 micrometres – about the diameter of a hair) are of least concern because they pass straight through the human body.
• Smaller particles could potentially pass through the walls of digestive tracts and get stuck, but researchers believe they are unlikely to accumulate in harmful quantities. Not enough is known about the tiniest nanoplastics (those less than 1 micrometre) to be sure of their impact.

Microplastics

• Microplastics are pieces of plastic smaller than 5 millimeters. They enter the environment through the fragmentation of larger plastic that has been left in the environment or directly as microbeads through things like synthetic fibers from clothes or tire wear.

Microbeads

• They are small, solid, manufactured plastic particles that are less than 5mm and don’t degrade or dissolve in water. They are type of microplastic.They may be added to a range of products, including rinse-off cosmetics, personal care and cleaning products. Microbeads are used as ingredients in these products for a variety of purposes. This includes as an abrasive or exfoliant, a bulking agent, for controlled timed release of active ingredients, and to prolong shelf life. They are also a relatively cheap ingredient.

• These tiny particles easily pass through water filtration systems and end up in the ocean and Great Lakes, posing a potential threat to aquatic life.