Microplastics are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm.

These particles are found everywhere: in oceans, soil, drinking water, food, and even the air we breathe. Yet, the origins of these particles are often invisible to consumers.

Using data from the IUCN, CSIRO, and Elsevier, this graphic, via Visual Capitalist, by Made Visual Daily breaks down what actually makes up these particles and where they come from.

A breakdown of microplastic sources, compiled from multiple environmental studies:

The chart shows that the biggest contributor to microplastics is synthetic textiles, which account for 35% of the total. Tires (28%) and city dust (24%) are also major culprits, followed by road markings (7%) and a grab bag of other sources (6%).

How Do These Microplastics Enter the Environment?

Microplastics enter the environment in two main forms: primary and secondary.

Primary microplastics are released directly into the environment at a microscopic size. These include:

Fibers shed from washing synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, or acrylic.

Rubber dust worn from car and truck tires during normal use.

Fragments in city dust from the abrasion of paints, soles, furniture, and building coatings.

Plastic pellets ("nurdles") lost during plastic manufacturing or shipping.