What are microplastics doing to human health?

By Amina Zafar –  CBC News

Plastic serves as a building block for our food packaging, water pipes, rubber tires and synthetic fabrics. But plastic also litters waterways, soil and air so humans and other animals wind up taking in tiny versions with unknown consequences.

People unknowingly ingest microplastics from what we eat, drink and breathe. Some scientists fear exposure to microplastics could increase vulnerability to heart disease, cancer and other illnesses. They’re working to connect the dots between microplastics and any health hazards.

At this week’s United Nations’ global summit on plastic pollution in Ottawa, delegates are working toward a treaty to address plastics from production to use and disposal.