Microplastics are defined as any plastic particulate less than 5 milimeters in length and can be as small as 5 micrometers. Due to plastics unique properties these micro particles are shed into the environment where they stay for a very long time. Due to the small scale of these particulates this unintentional byproduct of our industries has gone mostly undetected for generations. However, for the first time new technology and research has made this previously inaccessible world visible.
Where are microplastics?
Micro plastics are everywhere. From the bottom of the oceans to thousands of feet in the air we are finding that microplastic contamination has spread everywhere in the world and we can assume the concentration of them will continue to grow.
What are the effects of Microplastics?
Not too much is known about the long term environmental or health concerns related to microplastics. Some preliminary research into these areas are ongoing but this novel field is very much in its infancy; that is why it is so important to raise awareness and fund research and testing to discover. We know they are everywhere but not much beyond that.
Early testing has shown that these particles are showing effects in mice, fish, and other small animals. Human testing is ongoing but it seems intuitive there will be some effect on human health and we should thus stay vigilant. Microplastics could have severe detrimental effects on our ecosystems and our personal health and it is crucial we find this out sooner rather than later.
What is Parverio doing?
As well as running this microplastic information center to bring together all of the various research, information, and projects into one place. Parverio provides microplastic testing services at an economic rate that was previously unsustainable. We hope to bring our testing to consumers, researchers, and industries all over in order to help inform the world about this area of rising concern.