The Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC) recently scheduled a webinar that addressed the growing concerns about microplastics on human health and plastic pollution in general. Many types of plastics with various chemical additives are pervasive in modern society. Many of these products were developed before potential health impacts were studied or understood. The Houston region and the Texas coast in general is a center for plastic production facilities, and spills and releases from these facilities impact local communities, waterways, and air quality. One of the presenters in the webinar described here is based in the Houston area, Yvette Arellano, Founder and Executive Director of Fenceline Watch. 

Link to view the webinar recording: Microplastics Within Us: Are We Becoming Plastic People?

From the PPC's description of the webinar:

Microplastics are being found in our food and drinks—including water, beer, fruit, honey, salt, and vegetables—and in Earth’s air, soils, and oceans. Microplastics and plastic chemicals have been found in our bodies too; in our bloodstreams, brains, breast milk, feces, hearts, lungs, placentas, semen, stomachs, testes, uteruses, and veins. What are the implications for the future of humanity? What can we as a society do about the growing danger of microplastics? How can you protect yourself and your loved ones?

On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Plastic Pollution Coalition held a discussion with scientific, advocacy, and media experts about microplastics in us, and the importance of culture change, systems shifts, and plastic-free solutions that protect our health.

Joining the conversation was Yvette Arellano, Founder and Executive Director at Fenceline Watch; Erica Cirino, Author and Communications Manager at Plastic Pollution Coalition; and Dr. Leonardo Trasande, Vice Chair for Research and Jim G. Hendrick, MD Professor of Pediatrics at NYU Langone Health. The webinar was moderated by Alejandra Warren, Co-Founder and Executive Director at Plastic Free Future.

For questions or comments contact Frank Blake at frankblake@juno.com

Photo by iStock.com/Sergii Zyskо