Perhaps We Should Call It the Plasticene?

There have been calls to rename the current geological era the Anthropocene. This is because Anthropoids (i.e. humans) are the dominant geological force on the planet. We account for numerous extinctions, change the atmosphere, alter sea-levels, change food chains in the oceans and even integrate plastics into the rocks. Perhaps 'Plasticene' would be a more appropriate name? Human generated plastic nanoparticles are now ubiquitous. They are found from the highest mountain tops, to the bottoms of the deepest oceans. Plastic nanoparticles (mainly from cars) have even been recorded in the human placenta. A study at Rutgers University has now found, these nanoparticles can rapidly pass from pregnant rats, into the brains and hearts of their foetuses. Whether these particles produce health effects, is currently uncertain. Perhaps, however, the plastics will still be around long after our species is gone? Not that there would be any Geologists around to see it.