While considerable uncertainty surrounds the ecological and health risks of microplastic pollution, these risks will increase in the future if microplastic pollution continues at its present rate. Widespread ecological risks are likely in the coming decades, but the absence of population-wide studies means that it is not yet possible to assess risks for human health.
In its sixth scientific opinion, on the Environmental and Health Risks of Microplastic Pollution, the European Commission’s Group of Chief Scientific Advisors, informed by a scientific evidence review report by the Scientific Advice for Policy by European Academies (SAPEA) consortium, makes the following recommendations as a precaution against these future risks:
- Broaden existing policy to prevent and reduce microplastic pollution in both marine and freshwater environments, and in air and soil, and prioritise substance- and context-specific measures for high-volume, high-emission sources;
- Ensure that any new measures are of benefit to society by undertaking cost/ benefit and similar analyses; and
- Develop a co-ordinated international response consisting of research collaboration (including filling knowledge gaps on nanoplastic pollution), data sharing and standards development for measurement, monitoring and risk assessment.
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