Recital (1)

Microplastics are ubiquitous, persistent and transboundary. They are detrimental to the environment and potentially harmful to human health. The harm caused by microplastics to the environment and potentially to human health can be further increased when harmful chemical additives and other substances of concern added during production and conversion are present. Microplastics are easily carried through the air and by land surface waters and ocean currents, and their mobility is an aggravating factor. They are found in soil, including agricultural lands, lakes, rivers, estuaries, beaches, lagoons, seas, oceans and in remote, once pristine regions. Their presence in soil has effects on soil properties and triggers soil alterations which negatively impact the growth of some plants. Impacts of microplastics on the marine environment have been extensively documented. Once in the marine environment, microplastics are nearly impossible to collect, and are known to be ingested by a range of organisms and animals and cause harm to biodiversity and ecosystems. The persistence of plastic pellets in the aquatic environment can be measured over decades, and ingestion of plastic pellets by marine wildlife, in particular seabirds and sea turtles, can cause physical harm or death. Microplastics also contribute to climate change as an additional source both of greenhouse gas emissions and of pressure on ecosystems. Microplastics’ potential to act as a carrier for adsorbed toxicants or pathogenic microorganisms is an integral part of the problem. Humans are exposed to microplastics via the air and food consumption. The growing awareness of microplastics’ presence in the food chain can undermine consumer confidence and have economic consequences. There could be negative economic impacts on activities such as commercial fishing and agriculture as well as recreation and tourism in areas affected by the releases.