Twenty years ago a groundbreaking study published in Science identified the widespread accumulation of tiny plastic fragments and fibers, now called microplastics. This discovery opened an entirely new field of research, leading to over 7,000 studies that highlight the prevalence of microplastics in the environment, wildlife, and the human body.
In a new paper, an international team of experts, including Karen Raubenheimer, summarizes the current state of knowledge. The conclusion is alarming: microplastics are found in even the most remote parts of the planet, with toxic effects seen throughout the biological food chain, from tiny insects to apex predators. In humans, microplastics have been detected in food, drink, and within the body, raising concerns about potential health risks.
The Global Microplastic Problem
Microplastics, defined as plastic particles 5mm or smaller, are produced either intentionally, such as microbeads in cosmetic products, or unintentionally, when larger plastic items break down. Common sources of microplastics include:
Cosmetic cleansers
Synthetic textiles (e.g., fibers from polyester clothing)
Vehicle tires
Plastic-coated fertilizers
Mulch film used in agriculture
Fishing gear (rope and netting)
Artificial turf
Plastics recycling processes
While research is still ongoing, scientists estimate that between 0.8 and 3 million tonnes of microplastics enter Earth’s oceans annually. Even more concerning is the suggestion that microplastic pollution on land could be 3 to 10 times greater than that in oceans, amounting to as much as 40 million tonnes.
By 2040, these numbers could more than double, and even if we stopped the flow of microplastics today, the breakdown of existing plastics would continue to release microfragments into the environment.
Impact on Wildlife and Human Health
Microplastics have been found in over 1,300 animal species, causing significant harm. Animals ingest these particles, mistaking them for food, leading to blocked intestines and the release of harmful chemicals. The variability in the chemical composition of microplastics and the ways they interact with their surroundings complicates efforts to link exposure directly to specific health effects.
In humans, research is progressing, with concerns about:
Inflammation
Oxidative stress (damage caused by an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants)
Immune responses
Genotoxicity (damage to genetic material, potentially leading to cancer)
What Can Be Done?
Public concern about microplastics is rising, but the issue remains challenging. Microplastics are nearly impossible to remove from the environment, meaning prevention is the best solution. While some countries have enacted laws to regulate microplastics, global collective action is required.
The UN’s Global Plastics Treaty, which will see its fifth round of negotiations in November, represents a critical opportunity. The treaty must include measures to specifically address microplastic pollution, and plastics must be redesigned to prevent further releases. In addition, individuals and communities must support government policies aimed at reducing plastic use and encouraging sustainable alternatives.
After two decades of research, the message is clear: we know enough to act. Now, it’s a matter of mobilizing the political will and global cooperation needed to tackle this pressing environmental crisis.
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