Hylea
Microplastics High Risk
Tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size, including microbeads in products and fragments from degrading plastics. Found in synthetic textiles, cosmetics, food packaging, and increasingly in food, water, and air.
Health Concerns
- Found in human blood, lungs, and placenta - health effects still being studied
- Can carry absorbed toxic chemicals into the body
- May cause inflammation and cellular damage
- Potential endocrine disruption from plastic additives
- Nanoplastics can cross cell membranes and blood-brain barrier
Environmental Impact
- Ubiquitous pollution in oceans, freshwater, and soil
- Bioaccumulate in food chain
- Synthetic textiles release 500,000+ microfibers per wash
- Cannot be fully removed by wastewater treatment
- Persist for hundreds of years
Regulatory Status
Microbeads banned in rinse-off cosmetics in US, UK, and EU. No regulations on textile microfiber release.
What to Avoid
Polyester, nylon, and acrylic textiles when possible. Products with polyethylene beads. Single-use plastics.
Safer Alternatives
Natural fiber clothing (cotton, wool, linen), microfiber-catching laundry bags, products without plastic microbeads