Researchers observed that while nanoplastic particles -- omnipresent in nature and the food web -- didn’t kill organ cells entirely, they disrupted major metabolic functions.

Researchers say it is ‘vitally important’ that the use of forever chemicals is rapidly restricted.

"No longer is the presence of plastic in the environment limited to microplastics or a bottle in the sea... it’s giving rise to new formations."

Scientists found 21 types of microplastics, of which polyester and nylon were common sources.

"[R]ivers [are] changing shape after the products pile up on their banks."

“....with the modern lifestyle, babies are exposed to so many different things... we don’t know what kind of effect they can have later.”

Ingestion of plastic can severely impact the health of marine animals, and includes exposing them to cancer risk.

The researchers call the environmental hazard an “imminent risk” to human health.

"What you and I wear ... is really having profound consequences for an area many thousands of kilometers from our communities."

While the health effects of microplastics aren't yet known, "it is obviously preferable not to have foreign bodies while the baby is developing."

Microplastics leave fish with nutrient deficiencies, which pushes them to venture outside safe waters in search of proper food.

79% has of plastic waste has ended up in landfills, dumps, or the natural environment, causing significant damage to soil-dwelling species.

Researchers outlined some actions, such as improving waste collection methods, that could cut pollution in the waters by 80%.

As many as 136,000 tons of microplastic could be blown ashore every year with sea breeze, scientists said.

Not all pathogens are bad.

"A single thread [of plastic] in the stomach of a larval fish is potentially a killer."

Microplastic pollution can stunt earthworms, degrade the quality of our soil, and jeopardize crop production and biodiversity.

Microplastic pollution has been found in Arctic and Alpine snow and North American rain water.