Are microplastics really a problem?

In this episode of Search Engine, host PJ Vogt explores the pervasive issue of microplastics and their potential impact on human health, prompted by a listener's concern about her sister's anxiety surrounding her newborn twins' exposure. The episode features interviews with Professor Tracy Woodruff, who presents research suggesting potential harm from microplastics based on animal studies and associations with human health issues, and economist Professor Emily Oster, who argues that current levels of microplastic exposure may not be high enough to cause significant health problems in humans. The discussion covers the sources of microplastics, their presence in our bodies, and the challenges of determining their long-term effects, highlighting the complexities and uncertainties surrounding this emerging environmental and health concern, and concludes with practical advice on managing worry and individual actions.