Noon, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017

Tiny pieces of harmful plastic, called microplastics, are prevalent in many rivers that flow into the Great Lakes. Ingested microplastics can cause digestive and reproductive problems, as well as death, in fish, birds and other animals. Unhealthy additives in the plastic, including flame retardants and antimicrobials, have been associated with cancer and endocrine disruption in humans. Jeanie William’s noontime talk, Microplastics in the Great Lakes, an opportunity for stewardship, explores the problem and some solutions. Williams manages research and education programs at the Inland Seas Education Association, which has been tracking microplastic contamination in the Great Lakes since 2013.