Plastic pollution tops list of marine threats to human health
The impact of marine plastic pollution on human health tops a list of marine threats in a large-scale survey that could shape policy over ocean protection.
Researchers at the University of Exeter, UK, led a survey of more than 15,000 people across 14 European countries, plus Australia, as part of the interdisciplinary European collaboration Seas, Oceans and Public Health in Europe (SOPHIE) Project, funded by Horizons 2020.
Working with colleagues from the European Marine Board, the University of Vienna, Austria, and the University of Queensland, Australia, the SOPHIE project investigated public perceptions towards various marine topics. The new study found that both Europeans and Australians were highly concerned about the human health impact of marine plastic pollution, ranking it top of 16 marine-related threats, including chemical or oil spills, marine biodiversity loss, and climate change related effects such as sea-level rise and ocean acidification.
While much is known about the ecological damage, including to marine life and other wildlife, the potential impacts of marine plastic pollution on human health are inconclusive. Those surveyed support more research to understand the effects.
