Ingredient
Likely microplastics
What is Likely microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are often invisible to the naked eye, typically fragments less than 5mm in size. They can originate from larger plastic debris that degrades in the environment or be intentionally manufactured as microbeads for use in personal care products and other applications.
In consumer products, microplastics can inadvertently make their way into foods or personal care items, mainly through contamination during the production process or from packaging materials. The health impact of ingesting or interacting with microplastics is currently under scientific investigation, and evidence suggests potential risks but remains inconclusive.
Seeing 'likely microplastics' on a label indicates possible contamination or presence of these particles, which might raise environmental and health considerations, although extensive human health impacts are still not fully understood.
Commonly found in: Cosmetics, Food packaging, Water bottles, Household products
What to watch
- May accumulate in the body over time with unknown long-term health effects.
- Can release or absorb harmful substances from the environment.
There is no specific regulation for microplastics in food. The FDA monitors and assesses new findings on potential risks.
Research indicates that microplastics might pose ecological risks and possible health hazards through bioaccumulation, but conclusive human health impacts are yet to be determined.
Since microplastics are synthetic, there are no animal-derived concerns, but environmental implications may be a concern for some vegans.
Sources: Microplastics and Health
Scout's take
Likely microplastics is an additive associated with health risks in dogs including organ damage, gut disruption, or carcinogenicity with chronic exposure.
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