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An accumulating microplastics problem
Summary
This commentary highlights that roughly 40 million tonnes of microplastics are released into the environment each year, a figure projected to double by 2040 without intervention. Microplastics are now found in air, water, soil, food, and ecosystems worldwide. While laboratory studies are investigating potential negative effects across hundreds of species including humans, the full extent of health damage remains unclear.
Microplastics are everywhere: in the air, water, soil, food, and ecosystems. Estimates suggest that around 40 million tonnes of microplastics are released into the environment each year, a figure expected to double by 2040 if no action is taken. Given the ubiquity of microplastics, laboratory studies are urgently investigating the potential for negative effects across hundreds of species, including humans. Yet, the extent of damage microplastics cause to health remains far from clear.