What contributes to environmental exposure to microplastics?

Increased plastic production is indeed a significant contributor to environmental exposure to microplastics. As production ramps up, the sheer volume of plastic items manufactured leads to greater quantities of plastic waste. This waste can fragment into smaller pieces due to physical degradation from environmental factors like sun exposure, mechanical forces, and interactions with other materials. Over time, this fragmentation results in the creation of microplastics—tiny plastic particles that are pervasive in natural environments.

The other factors, such as regulatory bans on plastics, composting efforts, and recycling initiatives, generally have the opposite effect by aiming to reduce plastic usage and waste. Regulatory bans can limit the production and use of certain types of plastics, thereby potentially decreasing the expansion of microplastics in ecosystems. Composting and recycling initiatives are designed to minimize plastic disposal in the environment, further reducing the likelihood of microplastics entering natural habitats.