Sen. Richard Blumenthal says when he returns to Washington, he’ll be sharing a strong message about micro-plastics.

He says when everyday items like plastic straws are exposed to sunlight, extreme temperatures and other common forces, they break down into tiny particles that can harm or kill living creatures. That includes humans.

"I'm urging the federal government to phase out the use of all single-use plastics, whether it's straws, plastic bags, clothing, which has a lot of plastic because it disintegrates and causes these tiny particles to accumulate in our water, ground & our bodies causing cancer, thyroid disease & other real health problems,” says Blumenthal.

Blumenthal says taking common sense precautions to protect humans, animals and the environment should be an issue for all politicians to rally around.