Today, Explained: "Plastic Rain, Plastic Rain" Summary

Episode Title: Plastic Rain, Plastic Rain
Hosts: Sean Ramsdorf and Benji Jones
Release Date: April 9, 2025
Network: Vox Media Podcast Network

Introduction

In this episode of Today, Explained, Vox hosts Sean Ramsdorf and environmental correspondent Benji Jones delve into the pervasive issue of microplastics, specifically focusing on their surprising presence in rainwater. The discussion unpacks the origins, distribution, and potential health impacts of these tiny plastic particles, drawing parallels with historical environmental challenges like acid rain.

Understanding Microplastics

[02:29] Benji Jones:
Microplastics are defined as plastic pieces less than 5 millimeters in length. They can be as small as nanoplastics, which are under one micrometer. These particles originate from various sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items like water bottles, fibers from synthetic clothing, and nurdles used in plastic manufacturing.

Benji emphasizes the ubiquity of microplastics, stating, “They are truly absolutely everywhere,” highlighting their presence in bodies, animals, and multiple environments across the globe.

The Phenomenon of Plastic in Rain

[03:35] Benji Jones:
The revelation that microplastics are present in rain was initially shocking to Benji. This finding indicates that plastic pollution has become as integral to our ecosystems as microbes and bacteria, permeating even the most remote and natural environments.

[04:09] Sean Ramsdorf:
Sean seeks clarity on the visibility and quantity of plastic in rain.

[04:19] Benji Jones:
Most microplastics in rain are invisible due to their minuscule size. Studies have detected significant amounts of plastic in rainfall across national parks and wilderness areas, equating yearly plastic deposition to the equivalent of "120 to 300 million plastic water bottles."

This pervasive distribution suggests that no place on Earth, from Detroit to Timbuktu, is free from microplastic contamination in rain.

Sources and Pathways of Microplastics Into Rain

[08:29] Benji Jones:
The primary sources of airborne microplastics include:

• Roadside Trash: Garbage on roads is pulverized by vehicular traffic, becoming airborne pollutants.
• Ocean Spray: Microplastics from the ocean become airborne through bubble formation and wave action.
• Tire Wear: Degrading tires release microplastics as they wear down.

Additionally, other harmful chemicals like PFAS (forever chemicals) are also present in rain, exacerbating its contamination.

Health Implications of Microplastics Exposure

[09:32] Benji Jones:
The critical concern is the potential health risks associated with microplastic exposure. These include:

• Cardiovascular Diseases: Linked to chronic exposure.
• Neurological Issues: Such as dementia, with studies showing a correlation between high microplastic levels and increased incidence in affected individuals.
• Hormonal Disruption: Caused by chemicals like phthalates used in plastics, leading to fertility issues and metabolic disturbances.

Benji highlights alarming findings from the University of New Mexico, where microplastics were detected in human brains, with concentrations rising by approximately 50% from 2016 to 2024. "99.5% of our brain is brain and the rest is plastic," he notes, underscoring the invasive nature of plastic pollution.

Historical Parallels: Acid Rain vs. Plastic Pollution

[15:16] Benji Jones:
Benji draws a parallel between the current plastic crisis and the historical issue of acid rain. In the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, the U.S. successfully reduced sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, significantly mitigating acid rain and its environmental impact.

While celebrating this achievement, Benji warns that the plastic problem is more insidious due to its longevity and widespread usage. However, he remains cautiously optimistic, citing global efforts to establish a plastic treaty involving over 100 countries aiming to reduce plastic waste through production caps, bans on single-use plastics, and improved recycling practices.

Potential Solutions and Regulatory Measures

[19:01] Benji Jones:
Addressing plastic pollution requires both individual actions and systemic changes:

• Regulatory Actions: Effective regulations similar to those that curbed acid rain emissions are essential to limit plastic production and facilitate better waste management.
• Global Cooperation: International treaties can provide a unified front against plastic pollution, setting standardized measures across nations.
• Innovative Alternatives: Developing durable alternatives to commonly used plastics, such as biodegradable materials for straws and cutlery, can reduce the influx of microplastics into the environment.

Benji acknowledges the challenge posed by industries benefiting from plastic production but emphasizes the necessity of regulatory will to enforce reductions.

Individual Actions to Mitigate Exposure

[23:38] Benji Jones:
For individuals concerned about microplastic exposure, there are several practical steps to reduce risk:

• Water Filtration: Using filters to remove microplastics from drinking water.
• Household Practices: Minimizing the use of plastic containers, especially for heating food, and opting for glass alternatives.
• Clothing Choices: Wearing natural fibers like cotton instead of polyester or nylon to reduce fiber shedding.
• Dietary Adjustments: Being cautious with sea salt and seafood consumption due to potential microplastic contamination.

Benji encourages these manageable changes as a means to lower personal exposure and health risks.

Conclusion

In "Plastic Rain, Plastic Rain," Sean Ramsdorf and Benji Jones shed light on the insidious spread of microplastics through precipitation, their pervasive presence in the environment, and the unsettling implications for human health. While acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the episode also draws hope from historical environmental successes and ongoing global initiatives aimed at combating plastic pollution. The discussion underscores the importance of both collective regulatory action and individual responsibility in addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

Notable Quotes:

• Benji Jones [02:29]:
  “They are truly absolutely everywhere.”

• Benji Jones [04:19]:
  “The amount of plastic that was falling on these national parks and wilderness areas every year is equivalent to like 120 to 300 million plastic water bottles every year.”

• Benji Jones [10:08]:
  “There are actually quite a long list of health problems that are linked to exposure to microplastics.”

• Benji Jones [17:14]:
  “The US in 1990, passed amendments to the Clean Air Act... will cut emissions that cause acid rain in half and permanently cap.”

• Benji Jones [20:05]:
  “...when you have major industries that are benefiting from this incredible amount of plastic flowing into the environment, we need to often create regulations that are tamping down on that supply of plastic.”

Produced by Avishai Artsy, Edited by Jolie Meyers, Mixed by Andrea Christensdottir and Patrick Boyd, with fact-checking by Miles Bryan.