Researchers from the University of Toronto highlight that paint is a major, yet neglected source of microplastics, which are harmful plastic fragments under 5mm. They assert that approximately 1,857 kilotonnes of paint microplastics are released into the global environment annually, implicating paint as one of the largest contributors to this pollution. Despite paint's prevalence in various applications, such as road markings and building surfaces, its contribution to microplastic contamination has not been adequately studied, with serious implications for both human health and marine ecosystems.
According to researchers from the University of Toronto, paint has been 'severely understudied' when it comes to research on microplastics, which are overlooked sources contributing to environmental pollution.
A recent estimate suggests that 1,857 kilotonnes of paint microplastics are emitted annually, potentially making it the largest source of microplastics in the environment.
Microplastics, measuring less than 5mm, have been found in various ecosystems around the world, posing significant risks not only to human health but also to marine life.
The study highlights that paints are used widely in both indoor and outdoor applications, yet their contribution to microplastic pollution remains largely unexamined.
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