Microplastics are everywhere, including the Great Lakes. They come in many forms, but are typically smaller than 5 millimeters. 

Some wash up on beaches while others end up in the stomachs of fish and birds. 

Scientists are concerned about their impact on human health, too.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will host its first virtual microplastics summit on October 22.

EGLE environmental quality analyst Eddie Kostelnik says microplastics are ubiquitous.

“We’ve found them in humans and organisms throughout our ecosystem,” he says. 

What are they?

Microplastics come in many types, including scented beads and synthetic clothing fibers. They can also form when larger items such plastic bottles break up over time.

Kostelnik says the summit will explore the risks microplastics pose to human health and the environment.

“I think there are still some holes in terms of human health effects,” he says. “But we have started to see some organism health effects trickle in.”

Experts will also examine how microplastics interact with other contaminants and where they go. 

Researchers make progress, but want to learn more

Kostelnik says research has produced better ways to detect and identify microplastics. He adds it is possible to reduce the amount of microplastics in the lakes.

“There are certainly ways that we can reduce plastic use and replace plastic products with reusable alternatives,” he says.

Kostelnik says anyone who’s interested in the issue can attend the virtual summit, whether they’re experts or not. 

Registration is free.