IONA NURSE NEWS
June, 2026
This will be the last news note for the summer.
I have found another topic you may not have thought about:
What are microplastic fibers and why should we care?
Microplastics are tiny particles less than 5 millimeters in size, smaller than a grain of rice and sometimes invisible to the naked eye. These minuscule pollutants come from various sources. They include primary microplastic-intentionally manufactured for products like personal care products, cleaning agents. And secondary microplastic-which results from the breakdown of larger plastic items such as bottles, packaging, tires, synthetic clothing, plastic wrap, and fishing nets.
Microplastics are found in the oceans, rivers, lakes, soil, ice, and even the air. Animals are exposed to these fibers and so are we humans exposed through drinking water, seafood, air, and even food products like sea salt. An adult could potentially be consuming between 39,000 to 52,000 microplastics a year on average. These fibers have been found in human tissues, the stomach, circulatory system and organs. They may potentially impact our digestive, respiratory, and immune system.
So, what can we do to help our earth and ourselves?
- Dispose of plastic properly, recycle-
- Encourage our governments to enforce fines for littering-
- Take beverage bottles to recycle centers-
- Create infrastructure for companies to take back and recycle the containers they use-
- Use common materials (glass, paper, iron, aluminum)-
- Use natural plant-based products-
- The clothes we buy use natural fabrics (silk, cotton, wool, hemp)-
What can we start to do now, and it will not cost you any money. Synthetic garments release anywhere to18 million fires in a single household wash. You can help by:
- Washing your cloths in cold water or at a low temperature
- Washing your cloths on a gentler or shorter cycle
- Avoiding over-washing
- Laundering full load
Small steps will help and you will be helping our earth.
I hope everyone has a blessed and joyful summer, do what you enjoy!
Blessings Christine (parish nurse)
www.unep.or/news-and-stories/everything-you-should-know-about-microplastic