If microplastics could talk to us, they would make a lot of noise. The tiny particles, added to some personal care products like face washes and toothpaste, are ubiquitous in the Great Lakes. There are concerns that the plastics, also known as microbeads, are causing harm to the ecosystem, fish and other organisms.
That’s why the IJC held a workshop in April with experts from Canada and the United States, to gather information on possible recommendations to the two governments on how to battle this threat. Here are highlights of what we heard.
Jeff Kart is executive editor of the IJC’s monthly Great Lakes Connection and quarterly Water Matters newsletters.