Plastic waste is widespread in the marine environment, raising concerns about its impact on both ecosystems and human health. While media images of large plastic masses floating on the ocean surface have increased public awareness, these visible plastics make up only a small portion of the total plastic that enters the oceans. The majority of the missing mass remains largely unseen and unexplored. Recent studies suggest that underwater flows known as turbidite currents are responsible for transporting this hidden plastic to the ocean floor. These currents, often described as underwater "avalanches," are triggered by disturbances such as landslides, floods, or tides. They carry not only sediments but also significant amounts of plastic particles, moving them from the continental shelf down to the deep ocean. In some areas, these events can occur as frequently as a hundred times a year. Research in the Tyrrhenian Sea has revealed that the distribution of microplastics on the ocean floor is highly uneven, with plastic concentrations aligning closely with the paths of deep water currents. More recently, a study published in 2025 found that turbidite currents in the Whittard Canyon, located 300 kilometers off the British coast, act as major conduits for microplastic transport, carrying them to depths greater than 3,000 meters. These currents also separate different types of plastics, with flexible fibers and rigid particles settling at different depths. To better understand how these currents move and sort microplastics, scientists conducted laboratory experiments using facilities in France. By tracking the movement of plastic particles within a simulated turbidite current, researchers aimed to uncover the mechanisms behind their transport and deposition. The findings indicate that the swirling motion of the current influences the path of the particles, affecting their distribution on the ocean floor. This process has significant implications for marine ecosystems and, indirectly, for human health. Turbidite currents not only move microplastics but also carry nutrients and organic matter essential to deep-sea life. As a result, microplastics tend to accumulate in biologically rich areas, potentially harming these ecosystems. These particles can then move up the food chain, possibly reaching species consumed by humans. However, the full extent of the health risks associated with this exposure is still not well understood.