Published In

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

Document Type

Post-Print

Publication Date

8-2021

Subjects

Microplastics -- Environmental aspects, Microplastics -- Analysis, Plastic scrap -- Management, Waste minimization -- Sustainability

Abstract

Although there are not any direct studies linking persistent organic pollutants (POPs) accumulated on marine debris to human health, there are numerous studies showing human health impacts from repeated and high level POP exposure, as well as studies that show POPs accumulate on plastic debris in the marine environment. With this knowledge, there is a need for greater awareness of the risks of POP exposure for those who handle marine debris regularly, especially in contexts of higher exposure such as those working in marine debris concentrated areas. Amongst the scientific community, understanding of the exposure risk might be high, but others who handle marine debris, for instance citizens groups in the global south, are not necessarily aware of this exposure pathway. Moreover, global consumers who are marketed ‘ocean plastics’ upcycled products are also not aware of potential POP exposure. Before marine plastics are accepted into the upcycled economy, these risks warrant further examination. This is a perspectives piece that aims to draw awareness to these emergent POP exposure pathways and considerations regarding marine plastic pollution.

Rights

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Description

This is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. DOI: 10.1002/etc.5186

DOI

10.1002/etc.5186

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/36306

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