Microplastics

Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic less than five millimetres long.

微塑膠是長度不到5毫米的微小塑膠碎片。

They come from larger items that gradually break down in the environment.

它們來自在環境中逐漸分解的較大物品。

Synthetic clothing also releases countless fibres every time it is washed.

合成纖維衣物每次清洗時也會釋放出無數纖維。

Scientists have detected these particles in oceans, rainwater, and even remote mountains.

科學家已經在海洋、雨水甚至偏遠的山區中偵測到這些顆粒。

More worryingly, they have been found in human blood and lungs.

更令人擔憂的是，人們在人體的血液和肺部也發現了它們。

The long-term consequences for our health are still poorly understood.

它們對我們健康的長期影響目前仍所知甚少。

Filtering them out of drinking water is technically possible but costly.

從飲用水中過濾掉它們在技術上是可行的，但成本高昂。

Many experts argue that reducing plastic production is the only lasting solution.

許多專家認為，減少塑膠生產是唯一持久的解決辦法。

Meanwhile, consumers can help by choosing natural fabrics and reusable containers.

同時，消費者可以透過選擇天然布料和可重複使用的容器來盡一份心力。