A scientific perspective on microplastics in nature and society: Evidence review report
Abstract
Scope and Objective Microplastics are plastic particles of mixed shape that are present in air, soil, freshwater, seas, in biota, and in several components of our diet. NMPs are below 5 mm in size (Arthur, 2009) and come from a variety of sources, including fisheries, products and textiles (use and breakdown), agriculture, industry, waste, and others. Because of fragmentation and degradation of larger plastic items and of microplastics, it is plausible that nanoplastics will be formed. Scientists, policy-makers and the public are becoming increasingly concerned about both the ubiquity of nano- and microplastics (NMPs) and the uncertainties surrounding their impacts, hazards and risks to our environment and to human health. Heightened media attention on plastic pollution is observed. If the occurrence and concentrations of NMPs continues to rise, either from intentionally produced NMPs, or NMPs formed by the degradation of larger plastic items, what can science tell us about the risks and what sense can be made of this complex evidence base? The scientific evidence base and policy context are being reviewed by the European Commission’s Science Advice Mechanism (SAM). As part of this mechanism, this Evidence Review Report offers a scientific perspective on the state-of-the-art knowledge about the implications of NMPs in nature and society and highlights the unique features and complexities of the topic. In this report, a SAPEA working group rapidly reviews the current…
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