Tiny dangerous particles have been found in the Great Lakes, prompting scientists to call for urgent action.

About 170 years ago, people first developed plastic, and since then it has become a significant problem for the planet: tiny microplastic particles have been found in water, soil, air, and even in dolphins' breath. They have also been detected in our own bodies and in the bodies of most living organisms on the planet, both aquatic and terrestrial, reports IFLScience.

Now, scientists have discovered tiny microplastic particles in another alarming location — the Great Lakes of North America. Experts are concerned that the presence of these minuscule particles in the water may affect fish and other wildlife that call this area home.

It is no secret that microplastics have infiltrated every corner of our planet — from deep-sea creatures and Antarctic ice to human organs and Arctic snow. Therefore, it is not surprising that these particles are also widespread in the Great Lakes of North America — five massive freshwater lakes located on the border of the USA and Canada. At the same time, scientists are worried that this issue is still not being adequately monitored today.

In a new report from the Scientific Advisory Council on the Great Lakes, scientists have called for a transboundary monitoring program to track the extent and impact of microplastics on the Great Lakes and their biodiversity.

The main recommendation from the experts is that microplastics should likely be added as a key indicator of ecosystem health. Scientists urge that these tiny particles be designated as a "chemical of mutual concern." Such steps are expected to help reduce the risk of further environmental damage.

According to report co-author Rebecca Rooney, plastic is an integral part of modern life and is widespread throughout the Great Lakes ecosystem. Scientists propose using microplastics as an indicator of ecological health, which would enhance our understanding of the prevalence of these particles and their impact on the environment.

It is worth noting that definitions vary, but microplastics are generally considered to be plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters. Plastic particles of this size are roughly the size of an eraser on the end of a pencil. Although mass production of plastic began only in the 20th century, this form of synthetic pollution has rapidly spread across the globe in recent decades.

Increasing research shows that microplastics can have harmful effects on aquatic flora and fauna, including species in the Great Lakes. In fact, a new report indicated that fish in the Great Lakes have some of the highest levels of microplastics recorded in the world.

High levels of microplastics have also been found in drinking water from the Great Lakes, directly linking humans to this issue. However, scientists acknowledge that it is still not precisely known what impact microplastics have on the human body — some compelling studies suggest that microplastic particles may increase the risk of cancer.