The Dark Side Of Plastic: Ocean Impact On Humans

Plastic in the ocean poses a significant threat to human health and well-being. The issue of plastic pollution in the ocean is primarily a result of human activity, with the majority of plastic waste coming from littering and improper disposal of disposable plastic items. These plastics take thousands of years to degrade, breaking down into microplastics that are consumed by marine animals and enter the food chain. As a result, humans are exposed to toxic chemicals such as mercury, lead, and pesticides, which have been linked to various health issues, including hormonal and reproductive problems, nervous system damage, and cancer. The impact of plastic pollution in the ocean on human health underscores the urgent need for global efforts to reduce, recycle, and properly dispose of plastic waste.

Plastic enters the food chain

The plastic in the ocean breaks down into tiny particles known as microplastics. These microplastics are consumed by marine animals and become embedded in their bodies and tissues. As these animals are then consumed by other animals, the microplastics move up the food chain. This process is known as bioaccumulation and results in the toxins from the plastic being passed up the food chain, eventually reaching humans.

Microplastics have been found in drinking water, salt, beer, and in the soil where vegetables are grown. They have also been discovered in the bodies of humans, with recent studies detecting microplastics in human blood, lungs, and placenta. This indicates that humans are consuming contaminated food and water, and inhaling airborne plastic pollution.

The toxins found in plastic have been linked to various health issues in humans, including cancer, reproductive issues, endocrine disruption, developmental disorders, and neurological problems. The toxic chemical additives and pollutants found in plastics threaten human health on a global scale and can cause diseases, disabilities, and premature death.

In addition to the toxins in plastic, the plastic itself can also be harmful to humans. Plastic is made from chemicals derived from fossil fuels, and these chemicals can leach out and be ingested by humans. Some of the toxic chemicals used in plastic production include lead, cadmium, mercury, and bisphenol-A (BPA). These chemicals have been found in high concentrations in certain fish species, which are then consumed by humans, leading to potential health risks.

Plastic causes health issues like cancer, reproductive issues, and endocrine disruption

Plastic in the ocean poses a significant threat to human health, causing various health issues, including cancer, reproductive problems, and endocrine disruption.

Cancer

The presence of plastic in the ocean has been linked to the increasing incidence of cancer in marine life. As plastic waste breaks down into microplastics, it attracts and absorbs toxic chemicals, such as Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) and Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane (DDT). These contaminated microplastics are then ingested by marine organisms, leading to the development of cancerous tumors. The toxins from the plastics enter the food chain, ultimately threatening human health as well.

Reproductive Issues

Plastic pollution has been found to have detrimental effects on the reproductive systems of various species. Tests have confirmed disruptions to reproductive systems, leading to a decrease in egg production in oysters and other marine organisms. Additionally, the presence of plastic waste and its associated toxins in the environment can impact human reproductive health, contributing to infertility and birth defects.

Endocrine Disruption

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in plastics, such as bisphenol A (BPA), can interfere with hormonal signals in the body. These chemicals contaminate the food chain and increase human exposure to EDCs, leading to potential health issues. Pete Myers, an expert in the field, has emphasized the impact of endocrine disruption on organisms, including its contribution to infertility, obesity, and hormone-related cancers.

The health consequences of plastic in the ocean are far-reaching and pose a significant risk to both marine life and humans. It is crucial to address this global issue and reduce the amount of plastic waste entering our oceans to mitigate the impact on human health and the environment.

Plastic waste is ingested by marine animals

Plastic waste in the ocean is ingested by marine animals in several ways, leading to severe health issues and even death. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that plastic can take hundreds to thousands of years to degrade, and it may never fully break down, instead becoming microplastics.

One of the main ways marine animals ingest plastic is by mistaking it for food. Seabirds, for example, scoop up small fish and algae from the ocean's surface and are now consuming small plastic fragments that float on the water. Sea turtles also mistake plastic bags for jellyfish or floating plastic for seaweed, their staple diets. Microplastics, which are invisible to the naked eye, are easily consumed by wildlife, and they can absorb toxins, which are then transferred to the fatty tissues of the organisms that ingest them. A recent study found that all seven species of sea turtle from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea had traces of microplastics in their gut.

The ingestion of plastic can lead to intestinal injuries and death. It can also cause starvation, as the plastic fills up the stomach, giving the animal a false sense of fullness. This is a particular problem for sea turtles, with research indicating that half of sea turtles worldwide have ingested plastic, and a recent study finding that sea turtles that ingest just 14 pieces of plastic have an increased risk of death. Additionally, hundreds of fish species, including those consumed by humans, have been found with traces of microplastics in their bodies. A study summarising over 100 research papers on fish and plastic ingestion among 500 fish species found that over two-thirds had consumed plastic.

The toxins in plastic are not only harmful to marine animals but also pose a threat to human health. As these chemicals are ingested by animals in the ocean, they enter the food chain, and humans ingest contaminated seafood. These toxins have been linked to cancers, birth defects, immune system problems, and childhood developmental issues.

Plastic affects vulnerable groups, including children and pregnant people

Plastic in the ocean poses a significant threat to human health, and vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant people are at an increased risk of adverse effects. Here are some ways in which plastic affects these vulnerable populations:

Children

Children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of plastic pollution in the ocean due to their developing bodies and immature immune systems. When toxic chemicals from plastics enter the food chain, children can be exposed to them through the consumption of contaminated fish and other seafood. This exposure can lead to various health issues, including developmental, neurological, and immune disorders.

For instance, research has shown that children whose mothers were exposed to phthalates, a type of chemical found in plastics, during pregnancy were more likely to have problems with motor and language development. This indicates that even before birth, children can be affected by the presence of plastics in the ocean and the subsequent contamination of the food chain.

Pregnant People

Pregnant individuals also face heightened risks due to plastic pollution in the ocean. Phthalates, the chemicals found in plastics, can interfere with male foetal development and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. As such, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid exposure to plastics as much as possible, including limiting the use of plastic products, switching to glass or metal containers for food and drinks, and reducing the consumption of seafood that may be contaminated with plastic toxins.

Additionally, the toxins from plastics can accumulate in the bodies of pregnant people, which can then be passed on to their children through breastfeeding. This further underscores the importance of minimising plastic exposure during pregnancy to safeguard both the health of the parent and the developing child.

General Effects on Vulnerable Groups

The impact of plastic pollution in the ocean on vulnerable groups extends beyond children and pregnant people. The toxins released from plastics can contaminate drinking water, salt, and even the soil where we grow our vegetables. This widespread contamination can lead to health issues for individuals with compromised immune systems, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Furthermore, the presence of microplastics in the environment can contribute to respiratory issues, especially for those with respiratory conditions. As microplastics can be inhaled, they can irritate the respiratory tract and exacerbate existing respiratory problems, posing a threat to vulnerable groups beyond the scope of food contamination.

Plastic waste is a global crisis

The presence of plastic in our oceans is increasing, despite growing awareness of the dangers it poses. Plastic pollution is a leading cause of marine species extinction, health problems for humans and animals, and the destruction of ecosystems. It is estimated that by 2050, plastic will outweigh all fish in the sea. Currently, there are about 50-75 trillion pieces of plastic and microplastics in the ocean, with around 8-10 million metric tons of plastic entering the ocean each year.

The majority of plastic pollution in the ocean is caused by littering, with disposable plastic items such as food wrappings, plastic bags, razors, and bottles ending up in waterways and eventually the ocean. However, not all plastic waste in the ocean is a result of littering; much of it is the product of improper manufacturing processes, and about 20% comes from industrial fishing.

The impact of plastic pollution on marine life is devastating. Animals suffer from suffocation, entanglement, laceration, infections, and internal injuries. It is estimated that plastic kills over 100,000 sea turtles and birds each year. Plastic also transports invasive species, threatening marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and the food web.

The consequences of plastic pollution extend to human health as well. Microplastics have entered the food chain and have been found in drinking water, salt, beer, soil, and seafood. Plastic materials contain toxic chemicals and can affect the endocrine system, causing developmental, neurological, reproductive, and immune disorders. Exposure to these toxins can lead to cancer, birth defects, cognitive impairment, and other serious health issues.

The crisis of plastic waste in the ocean is a global problem that requires worldwide cooperation. It is essential to reduce plastic waste, improve waste management systems, implement recycling practices, and reconsider the design and usage of disposable packaging and single-use plastics. Individual actions, such as reducing plastic use, supporting ethical brands, and proper waste disposal, are crucial in addressing this crisis.

Frequently asked questions