Microplastics: Appears in Document Dating Back to 1946

With recent news that microplastics are detected in places ranging from the depths of the ocean to the blood of humans, we are highlighting a 1946 document which contains the term “microplastic” in reference to National Gypsum Company Gold Bond plaster.

While microplastics are often cited as polluting ecosystems through consumer products like cosmetics, clothing, and food packaging, this document indicates that another potential source of microplastics could be plaster. In what appears to be a product description, “microplastic plaster” is described as: “Easier to trowel because of its greater plasticity. Gypsum particles are ground to micron size in huge revolving mills, then rolled into soft, felted balls…the greatest step forward in the development of plaster in many years.”

Despite their perceived advantages at the time, microplastics are now increasingly recognized as an emerging threat to the environment. Check out the historical document here!