Nanomaterials and microplastics are not new to us. Nanomaterials,
chemical structures with at least one dimension of 1 to 100 nanometers, are produced through natural
processes such as volcanic eruptions as well as through manufacturing for the past several decades.
Microplastics are nearly all manmade material, plastic particles less than five millimeters in length.
Although the benefits of plastics and nanotechnology are undeniable, there are mounting concerns over the
potential negative impact they may pose to human and environmental health. Usage guidance and regulatory
standards are evolving as these materials continue to be present in every day products. An overview of
sources, contamination, and impacts of nanomaterials and microplastics as well as best practices for their
analysis will be discussed.