A popular cleaning tool may leave your counters gleaming, but new research reveals that this household staple quietly releases trillions of microplastics into the environment each month.
Those tiny particles don’t simply vanish — they infiltrate the food you eat, the water you drink, and the air you breathe. Eventually, they make their way into your body, and early findings suggest they could cause serious harm once inside.
Behind the magic
Scientists from the American Chemical Society examined “magic” sponges, known for their ability to scrub away dirt and grime using only water.
Their cleaning strength comes from melamine foam — a lightweight yet sturdy plastic that works like ultra-fine sandpaper, gently scraping away dirt and stains from surfaces.
But with each use, these sponges slowly wear down, releasing microscopic fibers known as microplastics.
To measure just how much plastic they shed, researchers tested sponges from three leading brands, rubbing them against textured metal to simulate everyday use.
The results were anything but clean: one sponge released roughly 6.5 million microplastic fibers for every gram of material worn away. Using Amazon sales data from August 2023, and assuming an average sponge loses about 10% of its mass during normal use, the team estimated that 1.55 trillion microplastic fibers enter the environment each month.
And that’s only from one online retailer — the actual global figure could be far higher.
Tiny particles, big trouble
Once released, microplastics don’t just pollute the environment — they end up inside us.
These minuscule particles have been detected in human lungs, livers, kidneys, hearts, brains, placentas, and testicles, as well as in breast milk and semen.
While scientists are still studying the exact health effects, early evidence is troubling. A major review published in January found that microplastic exposure may threaten the digestive, reproductive, and respiratory systems.
Research suggests they can harm cells, disrupt organ function, and interfere with the immune system. They’ve also been linked to higher risks of heart attack, stroke, and certain cancers.
Microplastics may even impact brain health, with symptoms like fatigue and dizziness — and higher levels have been found in people with dementia.
It’s a massive issue for something so small — and an expensive one, too. One study found that microplastics carrying “forever chemicals” in the U.S. food and water supply could contribute to a $250 billion annual health crisis.
Scrub smarter
To reduce microplastic pollution, scientists from the American Chemical Society recommend that manufacturers create denser, more durable sponges that break down less easily.
Consumers can also choose natural cleaning products without plastic, and install filters to capture microplastics in drinking water.
To lower personal exposure, experts advise cutting back on single-use plastic bags, bottles, straws, and containers; wearing clothes made from natural fibers instead of synthetics; and avoiding microwaving food or drinks in plastic.
Source: nypost.com