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World Environment Day 2025, hosted by the Republic of Korea, focuses on the growing global crisis of plastic pollution. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this year’s campaign, themed #BeatPlasticPollution, calls for accelerated action to address the escalating environmental and human health risks posed by plastics and microplastics.

Plastic Production and Environmental Impact

Global plastic production exceeds 400 million tonnes annually, with roughly half designed for single use. Despite increased awareness, only about 9% of plastic waste is recycled, according to UNEP (UNEP, 2023). An estimated 11 million tonnes of plastic leak into aquatic ecosystems each year—equivalent in weight to approximately 2,200 Eiffel Towers.

This pollution affects ecosystems globally, from mountain regions to the ocean floor. UNEP warns that without intervention, plastic waste entering aquatic ecosystems could nearly triple by 2040 (UNEP Emissions Gap Report, 2023).

Microplastics: Scope and Human Exposure

Microplastics—plastic fragments under 5 mm—are now widespread across land, air, and water. They originate from sources such as synthetic clothing fibers, degraded packaging, fishing gear, and industrial pellets. Despite bans on microbeads in many countries, UNEP estimates that up to 23 million tonnes of plastic still enter water systems each year (UNEP, 2021).

Microplastics have been detected in human lungs, blood, liver, lower limb joints, and even brain tissue. A recent study reported evidence of microplastics accumulating in human brains and linked these particles to potential inflammation and cardiovascular risks. The US National Ocean Service confirms that average individuals may consume between 78,000 and 211,000 microplastic particles annually through air, food, and water.

Seafood is a significant exposure pathway. A study in Oregon found microplastics in 98.9% of seafood samples tested. Further contamination has been identified in items such as tea, honey, fruits, and vegetables. Microplastics also reach farmland via sewage sludge fertilizers, contributing to runoff into waterways (Cardiff University, 2023).

Health Concerns and Scientific Research

While the full effects of microplastics on human health are still being studied, recent research raises concern. A 2024 study suggests microplastics may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. Real-time imaging in mice has shown microplastics passing through the brain and obstructing blood vessels, though human implications remain under investigation.

Another US-based study identified higher concentrations of microplastics and nanoplastics in placentas from premature births than in those carried to term. While the study stops short of establishing causation, it adds to growing concern among researchers about long-term effects on reproductive and neurological health.