Minute plastic problem could turn into major health problem

Tiny plastic particles that settle on the sea or river bed and are eaten by fish which we consume could be detrimental to our health. Photo: Reuters

San Francisco Bay is contaminated with widespread pollution from billions of tiny pieces of plastic in greater concentrations than the Great Lakes, Chesapeake Bay and other major bodies of water in the United States, according to a new study.

At least 3.9 million pieces of plastic pour into the bay every day from eight large sewage treatment plants – a relentless torrent of litter that ranges from tiny “microbeads” found in cosmetics, facial scrubs and toothpastes, to bits of synthetic fabric from fleece jackets, pants and other clothes, which break down as they are washed.