Microplastics Everywhere
Tiny plastic particles are even inside our bodies. What could this mean for our health?
Every day we eat, drink, and breathe in very small pieces of plastic. These are called micro
plastics – plastic fragments smaller than 5 millimetres. Scientists are only beginning to study
what micro plastics might do to human health.
We already know that micro plastics are everywhere: in the air, water, soil, food, and even in
rain. They come from clothes, packaging, cosmetics, cleaning products, and waste. It is no
surprise that researchers have found micro plastics in human blood, saliva, lungs, liver,
kidneys, and even in the placenta. The smallest pieces, called nan plastics, are especially
worrying because they can get inside our cells.
Studies with animals and human cells suggest that micro plastics may damage DNA, change
how genes work, and harm organs. Some studies show problems with reproduction, such as
lower sperm quality or changes in the ovaries. Micro plastics have also been found in breast
milk and in the first stool of new born babies.
The danger comes both from the plastic itself and from the chemicals it carries. Plastics often
contain substances like BPA, phthalates, or heavy metals, which can disturb the nervous
system, hormones, or reproduction. Micro plastics may also carry harmful bacteria into the
body.
The full risks are still not clear, but results so far show possible links to inflammation, cell
death, lung and liver damage, problems with the gut microbiome, and changes in metabolism.
Scientists also warn that micro plastics may make other toxic substances more dangerous.
While research continues, people are looking for solutions. Some scientists are testing plastic-
eating microbes and new materials to replace plastic. Doctors and hospitals are also trying to
reduce single-use plastics and recycle more waste. As plastic production grows, these actions
are becoming more urgent.
Micro plastics do not only affect our bodies but also our planet. They add to climate change
and harm ocean life that helps produce oxygen and capture carbon dioxide. Protecting
ourselves from plastic pollution means protecting the Earth too.
Inspired by: https://magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/microplastics-everywhere
Comprehension Questions
1. What are microplastics?
2. Where do microplastics come from in our daily lives?
3. In which parts of the human body have microplastics been found?
4. Why are nanoplastics more dangerous than larger microplastics?
5. What kinds of health problems might microplastics cause, according to studies?
6. What chemicals in plastics can be harmful to our health?
7. How can microplastics make other toxic substances more dangerous?
8. What solutions are scientists and doctors trying to reduce plastic pollution?
9. How do microplastics affect the environment and climate?
10. Why is reducing plastic use important for both people and the planet?
Vocabulary List
Microplastics – very small pieces of plastic, smaller than 5 mm.
Nanoplastics – extremely small pieces of plastic, smaller than 1 micrometre, that can
enter cells.
DNA – the material in cells that carries genetic information.
Reproduction – the process of having babies.
Hormones – natural chemicals in the body that control growth, mood, and other
functions.
Pollution – harmful substances in the environment.
Toxic – poisonous or dangerous to health.
Metabolism – the chemical processes in the body that keep us alive and give us
energy.
Recycle – to treat used materials so they can be used again.
Climate change – long-term changes in Earth’s temperature and weather patterns
caused by humans.
Exercise 1: Match the words with the definitions
Column A
1. Microplastics
2. Nanoplastics
3. DNA
4. Reproduction
5. Hormones
6. Pollution
7. Toxic
8. Metabolism
9. Recycle
10. Climate change
Column B
a) Extremely small pieces of plastic that can enter cells
b) Natural chemicals that control body functions
c) Harmful substances in the environment
d) To treat materials so they can be used again
e) The chemical processes that give the body energy
f) Very small plastic particles, under 5 mm
g) The process of having babies
h) The material in cells that carries genetic information
i) Long-term changes in the Earth’s temperature and weather
j) Poisonous or dangerous to health
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks
Use these words: microplastics, nanoplastics, DNA, reproduction, hormones, pollution,
toxic, metabolism, recycle, climate change
1. Scientists worry that __________ are everywhere in food and water.
2. The smallest pieces, called __________, can get inside human cells.
3. Some studies suggest that microplastics may damage our __________.
4. Tests on animals show problems with __________, such as lower sperm quality.
5. Plastics may contain chemicals that disturb our __________.
6. Plastic waste in the ocean is one type of __________.
7. Some plastics release __________ chemicals that can harm health.
8. Microplastics may change our body’s __________ and energy use.
9. One way to reduce waste is to __________ bottles, cans, and paper.
10. Microplastics also add to __________ by releasing greenhouse gases.
Exercise 3: Choose the correct option
1. Very small plastic particles smaller than 5 mm are called __________.
a) hormones
b) microplastics
c) recycle
2. The natural chemicals that control body growth and mood are __________.
a) hormones
b) metabolism
c) reproduction
3. When scientists say something is __________, they mean it is poisonous.
a) toxic
b) recycled
c) useful
4. A healthy __________ is needed to turn food into energy.
a) DNA
b) climate
c) metabolism
5. Human activity is causing __________, which changes global weather.
a) climate change
b) DNA damage
c) pollution
Writing
Choose 3 topics and write short texts (6–8 sentences):
Microplastics in Daily Life
Write about where microplastics are found in everyday items (food, clothes,
cosmetics, etc.) and explain why this is a problem.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Health and Microplastics
Explain how microplastics can affect the human body (e.g., DNA, reproduction,
hormones, metabolism). Why are scientists worried?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Microplastics and the Environment
Describe how microplastics pollute oceans, harm sea animals, and contribute to
climate change.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Solutions to Plastic Pollution
Write about what individuals, schools, and governments can do to reduce
microplastics (e.g., recycle, avoid single-use plastics, create alternatives).
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
A World Without Plastic
Imagine a future with little or no plastic use. How would life be different? What would
be better for people and the planet?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Microplastics and You
Reflect on your own daily life: Where do you think you come into contact with
microplastics? How can you reduce your exposure?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
