Microplastics and Human Health: What We Know and What We Don’t

Course description

Microplastics are tiny synthetic particles that have been found to contaminate every corner of the planet, from arctic snow to the air we breathe. They are a complex suite of contaminants that can come in many shapes, sizes, colours and chemical compositions. These contaminants also act as sponges for other pollutants in the environment. We are eating, drinking and breathing them.  Should we be worried? This course will dive into the science behind microplastics, from what they are and how they get into the environment, to how we determine whether they might be a risk to human health. We will also explore what can be done to minimize the quantity of plastic we consume.