A new study reveals that 27 million tons of nanoplastics are choking the North Atlantic Ocean, with particles smaller than a micrometer. These near-invisible particles are floating between the Azores and Europe’s continental shelf. Nanoplastics, unlike larger plastic waste, can pass through filters, biological membranes, and accumulate in tissues, including humans.

BulletsIn

• 27 million tons of nanoplastics found in North Atlantic waters.
• Particles are smaller than one micrometer, too small to see.
• First study to precisely measure nanoplastic concentration in the open ocean.
• Nanoplastics more abundant than microplastics or macroplastics in the ocean.
• Nanoplastics can pass through biological membranes, including in humans.
• Particles come from plastic breakdown, river runoff, and atmospheric deposition.
• Nanoplastics are ingested by marine life and can penetrate deep tissues.
• Cleanup of nanoplastics is impossible with current technology.
• Preventing plastic from entering the ocean is the only realistic solution.
• Study highlights risk to human health, as nanoplastics could affect brain and organ cells.