Friday, 16 October 2026 Updated 41 min ago
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Microplastics in water aren’t inert and make damaging chemicals on their own

“Whether microplastics can directly cause human disease is still being researched,” said Wei Min, a chemist at Columbia University.

Image accompanying the story: Microplastics in water aren’t inert and make damaging chemicals on their own
Image: Brandon Bell/Getty Images · via Ars Technica

Ars Technica reports: “Whether microplastics can directly cause human disease is still being researched,” said Wei Min, a chemist at Columbia University.

One reason plastics are used so often is that they’re chemically inert, meaning bags, food containers, and cups don't react with what we put in them. Yet they can still break down into microplastics, which turn up in drinking water, human blood, arteries, and brains.

This science story centres on the United States. Names and organisations mentioned in the coverage include Wei Min, Columbia University and Nature.

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Key details

Location
United States · Americas
Reported by
Ars Technica
First reported
Key names
Wei Min, Columbia University, Nature, Min
Section
Science

Sources

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Read the full story at Ars Technica

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