Plastic microbeads from exfoliating products pollute the Great Lakes

Microbeads, found in products like toothpaste and face scrubs, are less than 1 millimeter in size. They enter sewage systems but are not filtered out by water treatment plants. Once in lakes, they absorb organic pollutants, which are then ingested by fish, transferring toxins up the food chain.

What is the typical size of microbeads found in personal care products?

• More than 3 millimeters

• Less than 1 millimeter

• 1 to 2 millimeters

• 2 to 3 millimeters

Where do microbeads go after being washed down the drain?

• They are released into lakes

• They are filtered out by water treatment plants

• They remain in the sewage system

• They evaporate into the atmosphere

Why are water treatment plants unable to filter out microbeads?

• Microbeads dissolve in water

• Microbeads are biodegradable

• Microbeads are not harmful

• Microbeads are too small for the filters

What happens to microplastic beads once they are in lakes?

• They float to the surface

• They absorb organic pollutants

• They dissolve in water

• They are eaten by birds

How do toxins from microbeads enter the food chain?

• They evaporate into the air

• They are absorbed by plants

• They are broken down by bacteria

• They are ingested by fish