On World Habitat Day, the growing issue of microplastics highlights the urgent need to protect our environments. Two decades after a pivotal study identified these tiny plastic particles, research has shown their widespread presence in all ecosystems and the human body. As global leaders prepare for the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on the Plastics Treaty in November, addressing microplastic pollution is more critical than ever for safeguarding both our habitats and health.
It’s been
20 years since a paper in the journal Science showed the environmental accumulation of tiny plastic fragments and fibres. It named the particles “microplastics”. The paper opened an entire research field. Since then, more than 7,000 published studies have shown the prevalence of microplastics in the environment, in wildlife and in the human body.
So what have we learned?
In a paper released today, an international group of experts, including myself, summarise the current state of knowledge. In short, microplastics are widespread, accumulating in whatsapp data the remotest parts of our planet. There is evidence of their toxic effects at every level of biological organisation, from tiny insects at the bottom of the food chain to apex predators.
Microplastics
Are pervasive in food and drink best website builders for ecommerce sites and have been detected throughout the
human body. Evidence of their harmful effects is emerging. The scientific evidence is now more than
sufficient: collective global action loan data is urgently needed to tackle microplastics – and the problem has never been more pressing.
In the face
Of the all-encompassing spread of plastic pollution to far-flung places on Earth, it has become obvious that immediate and collective international efforts are necessary. The ISC’s policy brief is designed to inform the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee as it works to develop a legally binding agreement on plastic pollution.
Policy Brief:
Creating a Strong Interface between Science, Policy and Society to Tackle Global Plastic Pollution
International Science Council, 2023. ISC Policy Brief: Creating a strong interface between science, policy and society to tackle global plastic pollution. Paris, International Science Council. https://council.science/publications/plastic-pollution-policy-brief/
Tiny particles, huge problem
Microplastics are generally accepted as plastic particles 5mm or less
in one dimension. Some microplastics are intentionally added to
products, such as microbeads in facial soaps. Others are produced unintentionally when bigger plastic items break down – for example, fibres released when you wash a polyester fleece jacket. Studies have identified some of the main sources of microplastics as:
- cosmetic cleansers
- synthetic textiles
- vehicle tyres
- plastic-coated fertilisers
- plastic film used as mulch in agriculture
- fishing rope and netting
- “crumb rubber infill” used in artificial turf
- plastics recycling.