In this period the environmental problems related to the dispersion of microplastics in the environment are in the limelight. On the basis of the classification proposed by the GESAMP (UN scientific group that studies the impacts on the marine environment) in 2015, the Danish Environmental Protection Agency defines the dimensions of these particles in the interval 1 nm-5 mm ( that is from 0.000001 mm to 5 mm).
Among the various origins, attention is being focused on the microplastics primary, identifiable with the abrasive granules used in cosmetic scrubs and handwashing pastes or as raw materials in the blowing / melting of plastic articles. However, it is above all on the secondary microplastics that the accent is placed: we talk about tire wear residues, exfoliation of synthetic material clothing fabrics and sanitary towels, wear and polishing paints, as well as plastic-coated surfaces (such as PVC floors) and various building materials (such as PVC joinery, which also release phthalates and heavy metals), soles of shoes and toys for children [Source: The Danish Environmental Protection Agency – Environmental project No. 1793, 2015] ….
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