New study on microplastics

A brand new study commissioned by the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) on microplastics has just been published by the University of Newscastle in Australia.
The report "No plastic in nature: Assessing plastic ingestion from nature to people" indicates that a person ingests 5 grams of plastic per week is the equivalent of a microplastic credit card!

Following the publication of this scientific report, the government will refer the matter to the ANSES in order to launch an in-depth study in France.

The study carried out by the University of Newcastle is based on a total of 52 studies that were included in their calculations, 33 of which concerned the consumption of plastic via food and drink.
It was estimated that one person consumes plastic every week:

• 1769 plastic particles in drinking water (tap and bottle)
• 182 particles in seafood
• 10 particles in the beer
• 11 particles in salt

The long-term effects on human health following ingestion of large amounts of plastic are not yet well known.
However, studies have shown that :

• inhalation of plastic fibres appears to cause mild inflammation of the respiratory tract
• in marine animals, high concentrations of microplastic in their digestive and respiratory systems can lead to early death
• in vitro toxicity on lung, liver and brain cells.
  The World Health Organization is currently undertaking a review of the impact of microplastics on health.

The publication of this new study coincides with the publication of EU Directive 2019/904 on reducing the environmental impact of certain plastic products.

As of 3 July 2021, single-use plastic products (straws, cutlery, plates, etc.) will be banned in the European Union.