Ok Pannenborg, Richard Seifman
Abstract
Introduction: In this article we explore:
- The potential significance of plastics in an expanding series of diseases of unknown causes
- The longer-term effects of plastics on (in)fertility patterns across the world
- The possible effects, including wider implications for the future of mankind
Methods: We use the explorative format of a scoping review to evidence synthesis.
Review: Macro, micro- and nano-plastics proliferation so far figures only marginally in the determination of the etiology of major modern disease incidence and prevalence. Similarly, the significant reduction of total fertility rates (TFR) around the world since the 1960s and the subsequent disconcerting increase in infertility patterns remain largely unexplored in terms of micro- and nano-plastics (MNP) as a major contributing or causative factor. The combination of some deteriorating mortality, morbidity and disability rates from major disease groups of unknown or unresolved origin on the one hand and dramatically decreasing fertility levels on the other, both with an increasing probability of micro- and nano-plastics playing a role in terms of their dynamics, may have long-term political, social, developmental and evolutionary consequences currently not considered.
We reviewed a wide array of scientific, social, political, financial, industrial, policy and media sources as to the importance of macro, micro- and nano-plastics with regard to their role as causes of a wide range of current pathologies of increasing incidence or age-group shifting prevalence. We found an increasing rate of coverage in the scientific literature worldwide, but little evidence of policy-sensitive relevance. An astounding lack of translational research in this field results in global plastics only being considered from a superficial pollution point of view.
Discussion: The increasing probability that MNP plays an important role in the origins of such every day diseases as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, many cancers etc., remains seriously underappreciated with a disproportionate absence of relevant research in this respect. This pattern equally applies to the global patterns of changing fertility and infertility levels. When extrapolated to the marine environment, plant biology and human biology from conception to day one of birth, it seems reasonable and proportionate to suggest that much more scientific inquiry, applied research across the sciences and translational and policy research will be required worldwide.
Conclusions: We conclude, partly in view of the global UN Plastics Negotiations in November 2024 in Busan, South Korea, that the potentially large scale implications of macro-, micro- and nano-plastics for human health, fertility, animal health, biological and plant survival dynamics need to be addressed at a more urgent and senior policy and decision-making level across national and international public, private, financial, industrial and socio-political levels in order to prevent the probability of major long-term damage to mankind. We call for greater involvement of applied material sciences and engineering, deepening of biomedical etiological research and the consideration of an International Plastics Control Agency and its establishment along the lines of the International Energy Agency.
Keywords: Global Plastics Negotiations, Plastic-induced Diseases, Environmental Health, One Health, Population Dynamics, Evolutionary Changes, International Plastics Control Agency