When pods, cartridges, and other plastic vape waste is discarded, that plastic eventually breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces of plastic called microplastic. Unlike a banana peel or eggshell, these tiny Answer this in the comments: What do microplastics, vape smoke, and secondhand cigarette exposure have in common? They could all be quietly harming your kidneys. Emerging research links exposure to invisible toxins, E cigarettes highlight the challenges of dealing with plastic waste Good Morning America Vapes & Microplastics YouTube