Structure of answer:

• Introduction (Concept of Micro plastic)
• How it affects?
• What are the concerns?
• Way forward (What need to be done?)

Key points:

• What? Microplastics are tiny particles which are present in many sources, including carry bags and pet bottles.
• These tiny particles easily pass through water filtration systems and end up in the water bodies, posing a potential threat to aquatic life.
• Microbeads, a kind of microplastic, are used as exfoliates in some cleansers and toothpastes. Even though banned in US and Canada, microbeads are still used in India.
• Effect: Microplastics can migrate through the intestinal wall and travel to lymph nodes and other bodily organs, shows the Orb report.
• Microplastics have also been shown to absorb toxic chemicals linked to cancer and other illnesses, and then release them when consumed by fish and mammals.
• So if plastic fibers are in your water, experts say they’re surely in your food.
• Do’s: Regulations on use of plastics in general and microplastics in particular should be put in place by the government.
• Alternatives should be found to tackle with rising consumerism and the increasing use of plastic in everyday life.
• Invention of new, more readily degradable bio-based materials for the plastics could be a way.
• The entire flow chain from manufacturer to the user to the waste collector and the recycling authority should be made aware of the risks.