Study Reveals Common Cleaning Sponges Release Trillions of Microplastic Fibers
A study published in ACS Environmental Science & Technology has found that melamine sponges, commonly used for cleaning, release trillions of microplastic fibers into the environment. These sponges, known for their stain-removing capabilities, are made from poly(melamine-formaldehyde) polymer, which breaks down into microplastic fibers during use. These fibers can enter wastewater systems and eventually reach rivers, lakes, and oceans, posing a threat to aquatic life and potentially entering the human food chain.