Scientists suggest the UK is falling short in combating microplastic pollution.

The United Kingdom is lagging behind in international efforts to combat microplastics, as these pollutants continue to infiltrate various aspects of life, including food, ecosystems, and human bodies. Microplastics have been detected in human testicles, brains, and are even affecting plant photosynthesis, which could threaten global food supply. Although the full impact on human health remains largely unknown, microplastics have been associated with strokes and heart attacks. These particles, originating from plastic waste, have contaminated the entire planet, from the summit of Mount Everest to the deepest oceans. People ingest microplastics through food and water and even by breathing them in. Scientists urge the UK to introduce enforceable targets and limits on microplastics, as seen in the EU and US, particularly in areas like wastewater and drinking water. They advocate for a comprehensive approach to reduce pollution, including addressing microplastics at their source, funding research to determine safe exposure levels, and improving areas like soil and air quality. Dr. Antaya March, from the University of Portsmouth’s global plastics policy centre, emphasizes the need for a coordinated and forward-looking response to this transboundary policy challenge. The scientists recommend a roadmap with measurable targets and timelines to tackle the microplastic problem, interventions in high-emission sectors like agriculture, and the need to redesign products to shed fewer microplastics. Currently, there is a ban on microbeads in cosmetic products in the UK, but scientists argue that these tiny plastics must be recognized and designed out of a broader range of products. The call to action emphasizes the urgency of implementing a robust microplastic policy to protect public health, the environment, and the economy.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/06/uk-falling-behind-tackling-microplastic-pollution-microplastics