The Explainer Series: Microplastics

Microplastics

They're in our food, our water, our air - and increasingly, our blood. Microplastics have gone from an environmental footnote to one of the most talked-about and least-understood health concerns of our time. But in a media landscape full of alarming headlines, it can be hard to know what the science actually says. Are we in serious danger? Are the studies reliable? And what can any of us actually do about it? This session will cut through the noise with one of the world's leading researchers on plastics and human health - right here in Brisbane.

Meet your speakers:
Dr Cassandra Rauert is a leading expert in measuring our exposures to microplastics and understanding if they can get into our bodies. They're also an avid house plant collector who isn’t always successful and keeping them alive, but tries very hard. They are most excited to talk about current microplatics myths (do we actually eat a credit card a week?) and ways we can all reduce our exposures.

Jessica van Vonderen is the host of ABC TV’s flagship 7pm news bulletin in Queensland. From elections, to cyclones, fires and floods, over more than two decades, Jessica has reported on some of the biggest stories affecting Queensland. She is stubbornly trying to avoid AI, but has recently rekindled her love for crochet. The question she is most excited to ask: “Is my lipstick bad for me?”

The Explainer Series

The Explainer Series is a space for thoughtful conversations with people who really know their stuff, sharing insights and context so we can better navigate the big and small questions in our lives.

From international law and cryptocurrency to climate change, gut health and space junk, these talks bring ideas, trends and debates into focus, helping us form our own understanding, guided by curiosity and expertise.

There’s no spin and no hype, just experts helping us think more clearly about the world around us.

The Explainer Series is generously supported by Gina Fairfax AC and Tim Fairfax AC through the Queensland Library Foundation.

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