What’s All the Fuss About Microplastics?

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Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that have made their way into our oceans and rivers, posing significant risks to both marine life and humans. Studies worldwide show that when people eat fish, shellfish, and other seafood, they also consume these microplastics. This can lead to health problems, as microplastics disrupt digestion, change the gastrointestinal tract, and introduce harmful chemicals into the body. Long-term exposure to these toxins increases health risks, including foodborne illnesses caused by pathogens and bacteria found in microplastics.

One study revealed that out of 182 fish samples, 180 showed levels of microplastics. Most studies focus on the fish fillet, because that’s the part people usually eat. But more comprehensive studies are needed to understand fully how microplastics impact the fish we consume and the long-term effects on human health.

Addressing Microplastic Pollution

Many organizations and countries are working to tackle microplastic pollution. These efforts include:

• Banning single-use plastics and microbeads in personal care products

• Developing technologies to remove microplastics from the environment

• Managing waste disposal more effectively

Organizations like The Ocean Cleanup and 4Ocean are at the forefront of these efforts. The Ocean Cleanup, for example, uses advanced technology to clean up marine debris and reduce river pollution, aiming to remove 90% of floating plastic by 2040. While this goal is ambitious, it highlights the need for comprehensive solutions to address plastic pollution at its source.

Canada’s Role in Combating Plastic Pollution

Canada has the world’s longest coastline, touching the Arctic, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans. This gives Canada a unique opportunity to lead by example in the fight against plastic pollution. In 2018, Canada introduced the Oceans Plastic Charter, focusing on reducing plastic production and improving waste management. As part of this initiative, Canada developed a national strategy and action plan, investing in various projects to work towards a sustainable future.

Despite these efforts, Canadians produce an average of 3.3 million tonnes of plastic waste per year. Stronger policies and enforcement are needed to make substantial progress. There is still a lack of studies in Canada on the effects of microplastics in freshwater and marine ecosystems. This gap in research means we do not fully understand the scale of the problem and its impact on human health and the environment.

References:

1. Study finds microplastic contamination in 99% of seafood samples | US news | The Guardian

2. Microplastics in aquatic environments: Implications for Canadian ecosystems - ScienceDirect

3. Canada’s Zero Plastic Waste Agenda - Canada.ca

4. The Ocean Cleanup