What's the big deal about microplastics?

from Connections Podcast · host WXXI News

Microplastics are everywhere – in our water, in our food, and in our bodies. And while they are often the subject of headlines and new stories, researchers say there’s still a lot to learn about how they may harm us. According to local experts, Rochester is a hot spot for the study of microplastics and health. This week, experts from across the country will be in town for a symposium exploring the latest research, challenges, and next steps for understanding how microplastics get into our environment and our bodies. Our guests preview that event and explain what we need to know about microplastics and protecting our health. In studio: Katrina Korfmacher, Ph.D., professor of environmental medicine and public health sciences at the University of Rochester and co-director of the Lake Ontario MicroPlastics Center Assemblymember Jen Lunsford, District 135 James Roussie, Ph.D., chief scientific officer and co-founder of SiMPore Christy Tyler, Ph.D., professor of environmental science in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences at the Rochester Institute of Technology and co-director of the Lake Ontario MicroPlastics Center ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

What this episode covers

Microplastics are everywhere – in our water, in our food, and in our bodies. And while they are often the subject of headlines and new stories, researchers say there’s still a lot to learn about how they may harm us. According to local experts, Rochester is a hot spot for the study of microplastics and health. This week, experts from across the country will be in town for a symposium exploring the latest research, challenges, and next steps for understanding how microplastics get into our environment and our bodies. Our guests preview that event and explain what we need to know about microplastics and protecting our health. In studio: Katrina Korfmacher, Ph.D., professor of environmental medicine and public health sciences at the University of Rochester and co-director of the Lake Ontario MicroPlastics Center Assemblymember Jen Lunsford, District 135 James Roussie, Ph.D., chief scientific officer and co-founder of SiMPore Christy Tyler, Ph.D., professor of environmental science in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences at the Rochester Institute of Technology and co-director of the Lake Ontario MicroPlastics Center --- Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding. --- Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here. --- Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.