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Risks of Plastic Debris: Unravelling Fact, Opinion, Perception, and Belief.
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Series / Report no.
Open Access
Type
Article
Language
en
Date
2017-10-17
Research Projects
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Journal Issue
Title
Risks of Plastic Debris: Unravelling Fact, Opinion, Perception, and Belief.
Translated Title
Published in
Environ Sci Technol 2017; 51)20):11513-9
Abstract
Researcher and media alarms have caused plastic debris to be perceived as a major threat to humans and animals. However, although the waste of plastic in the environment is clearly undesirable for aesthetic and economic reasons, the actual environmental risks of different plastics and their associated chemicals remain largely unknown. Here we show how a systematic assessment of adverse outcome pathways based on ecologically relevant metrics for exposure and effect can bring risk assessment within reach. Results of such an assessment will help to respond to the current public worry in a balanced way and allow policy makers to take measures for scientifically sound reasons.