Nanoplastics and microplastics can pose long-term risks to the natural ecosystem and human health, as do other synthetic pollutants: a need to increase knowledge and public awareness

Abstract

Using plastic products has become a daily habit of humans. Over the past 60 years, plastic production has increased ten-fold. If plastics continue to be produced and used, especially in the massive amounts as predicted, human and ecosystem health will be under threat of nano- and microplastic exposures and impacts. The impacts and risks of plastic pollution to human and ecosystem health will continue to increase if no significant action is taken to reduce the use of plastic products. Changing public thinking and human habits is not easy but doable. To tackle this long-term pollution problem, a systematic approach involving all parties including manufacturers, users, and environmental managers is needed. Enhancing education to increase knowledge, understanding, and awareness of potential ecosystem and human health impacts of plastic pollution by the public is critically important. The public can initiate actions and implement appropriate measures, when they fully understand the problem and realize that their actions could protect their health and the environment they are living in.