Eurofins | BLC launches New Testing for Microplastics
What are Microplastics?
Microplastics are defined as plastics that are smaller than 5 millimetres, which can be released into water bodies through inadequate filtration in effluent treatment plants. They are generally added to care or cleaning products to provide abrasive properties however, they are also found in clothing and synthetic materials. Through the process of washing these garments, microplastics can be released into water bodies. In fact, 35% of primary microplastics released into water bodies especially oceans, are from synthetic fibres. Microplastics may also occur as a result of fragmentation of plastic waste and textile fibres, and as by-products of plastic production.
Aquatic organisms may consume microplastics due to the size of the particles, which can be mistaken for food, and therefore ingested. This can lead to the illness or deaths of the organisms and has the potential for microplastics to appear in the food chain. Filters as small as 15 microns may be required to capture adequate volumes of microfibres.
What Can Your Business Do?
Eurofins | BLC have developed a test method to establish the microplastic residue that may come away from a material during use.
This method can be adapted and modified to suit your needs. Eurofins | BLC can provide additional consulting support to interpret the results and build your understanding of your product.
To find out more, please contact us at [email protected] or +44 (0)1604 679999
3 October 2018