Muovijäämiä

Muovijäämiä refers to microscopic plastic particles that result from the degradation of larger plastic items. These particles, typically less than 5 millimeters in size, originate from a variety of sources, including synthetic textiles, cosmetics, tires, and the breakdown of discarded plastic waste. They are found in numerous environmental compartments, such as oceans, rivers, soil, and even the air we breathe.

The presence of muovijäämiä in the environment is a growing concern due to their persistence and potential ecological impacts. As they break down, they can release harmful chemicals into the surrounding environment. Furthermore, marine and terrestrial organisms can ingest these particles, leading to potential physical harm and the transfer of associated chemicals through the food chain.

Research into muovijäämiä is ongoing, focusing on understanding their distribution, fate, and the full scope of their effects on ecosystems and potentially human health. Efforts to mitigate the problem include reducing plastic consumption, improving waste management systems, and developing alternative materials.