It just keeps getting worse
Science has found it's raining microplastics on us.
A 2020 study found over 1,000 metric tons of plastic particles falling onto national parks and wilderness areas in the Western U.S. every year. That’s equivalent to 300 million plastic water bottles raining down from the sky.
Years ago it was thought plastic was mainly a problem for landfills and the oceans, but recently researchers are finding microplastics everywhere because it's literally raining on us.
Researchers found that highways were one of the biggest sources of the materials found in microplastic rain. As cars drive over roads, they grind down plastic waste, tire particles, and other synthetic fibers. These tiny bits float into the air and later fall with rain. The oceans also play a part, releasing microplastics into the atmosphere as waves crash together and bubbles full of microplastics burst into the air.
And it gets worse. A 2023 study found along with microplastics PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances)—or “forever chemicals”—in rainwater worldwide. These chemicals are used in nonstick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, and food packaging. They’re incredibly persistent and don’t break down easily.
Studies show that rainwater in the U.S., Sweden, China, and even Antarctica contains PFAS at levels higher than what’s considered safe for drinking water. Unlike acid rain, we can’t simply regulate emissions to stop it. With microplastic rain, the damage has already been done, and there doesn’t appear any way to really stop it.
A 2020 study found over 1,000 metric tons of plastic particles falling onto national parks and wilderness areas in the Western U.S. every year. That’s equivalent to 300 million plastic water bottles raining down from the sky.
Years ago it was thought plastic was mainly a problem for landfills and the oceans, but recently researchers are finding microplastics everywhere because it's literally raining on us.
Researchers found that highways were one of the biggest sources of the materials found in microplastic rain. As cars drive over roads, they grind down plastic waste, tire particles, and other synthetic fibers. These tiny bits float into the air and later fall with rain. The oceans also play a part, releasing microplastics into the atmosphere as waves crash together and bubbles full of microplastics burst into the air.
And it gets worse. A 2023 study found along with microplastics PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances)—or “forever chemicals”—in rainwater worldwide. These chemicals are used in nonstick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, and food packaging. They’re incredibly persistent and don’t break down easily.
Studies show that rainwater in the U.S., Sweden, China, and even Antarctica contains PFAS at levels higher than what’s considered safe for drinking water. Unlike acid rain, we can’t simply regulate emissions to stop it. With microplastic rain, the damage has already been done, and there doesn’t appear any way to really stop it.
