Plastics in deep freeze

MICROPLASTICS and chemicals used in a range of household goods have found their way to Antarctica’s pristine waters and ice caps.

Greenpeace says the microplastics, which are commonly used in body washes and toothpaste, and polyfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS), like those used in nonstick cookware, were found in samples taken from Antarctica’s waters and snow between January and March this year.

The findings have sparked calls for an Antarctic ocean sanctuary to be set up.