Microplastics Scale

Microplastics (less than 5 mm)

Nanoplastics (1,000 nm to 1 nm)

Mega-Macro-Meso Plastics

Particle of smoke ~500 nm (nanometers)

Pencil tip ~1 mm

Human hair ~60 µm (microns)

SARS-CoV-2 ~100 nm

Red blood cells ~8 µm

DNA spiral~2.5 nm

Microplastics (less than 5 mm)

These particles derive from larger products, such as tires, polymer-based paint, and polyester fabric. Or they are intentionally manufactured, such as additives in cosmetics.

Nanoplastics (1,000 nm to 1 nm)

Particles disintegrate still further, into fragments approaching the size of the polymers that compose the plastic.

Mega-Macro-Meso Plastics

The most obvious plastic pollution – everything from packaging to lawn furniture – breaks down into ever-smaller and less visible pieces.