Hello everyone. Welcome to the Nutrition Diva

podcast, a show that helps you put the latest nutrition news and trends

into perspective.

I'm your host, Monica Reinagle, and today I want to talk about microplastics,

a topic that is causing a lot of concern.

We'll talk about where these tiny particles are coming from,

review the potential health concerns, and talk about some practical steps that you can take

to reduce your exposure, as well as advocate for public action.

Microplastics and nanoplastics are tiny particles of plastic that may be used as ingredients in personal care products or they can come from larger

plastic items as they break down. For example, plastic microbeeds are commonly used as expolients in skin care products or even toothpaste.

Their small size and round shape make them effective in removing dead skin cells or polishing surface

stains from our teeth. In facial cleansers and soaps, microbeeds are used to help cleanse the

skin more thoroughly by trapping and removing dirt and oil.

Products with microbeads often have a pleasing texture and appearance and that appeals

to consumers. The beads can also be formulated in various colors and that can add to the visual

attractiveness of these products. Unfortunately, these microbeeds have had unintended consequences. Being non-biodegradable substances,

these microbeats can pass through water treatment plants and end up in rivers, lakes and oceans.

Aquatic organisms can mistake these microbeads for food and once ingested, the

beads can cause them physical harm and then potentially enter the food chain

affecting larger animals and possibly humans.

Micro beads and other primary sources of microplastics account for almost a third of the microplastics in the environment.

The rest comes from so-called secondary sources, plastic bottles, containers, bags, and packaging materials that leech plastic into the environment as they break down,

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