Disturbing study shows prevalence of microplastic waste
A study by scientists at the School of Environment, University of Auckland has shown that Auckland has much higher levels of airborne microplastics than has been recorded in many cities elsewhere: equivalent to three million plastic bottles per year in the air of Auckland.
Microplastics are produced and emitted to the atmosphere by the likes of plastic packaging, electronics, synthetic clothes and rubber care tyres. Health impacts of these emissions are not accurately documented.
Published in December, the study received wide media coverage:
YouTube: Tonnes of microplastics dropping from the sky onto Auckland
RNZ: Airborne microplastics in Auckland equivalent to millions of plastic bottles per year
Stuff: 74 tonnes of airborne microplastic dropping on Auckland every year, study finds
Yet another reason that natural materials, such as cotton, hemp, bamboo … and of course wool, need to replace synthetics.