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Environmental Protection
^#^1	Agency	December 2016
Fact Sheet: A Summary of the Literature on the
Chemical Toxicity of Plastics Pollution on Aquatic
Life and Aquatic-Dependent Wildlife
Summary
EPA has published a white paper that describes
current science literature on the toxic effects of
plastics on aquatic life and aquatic dependent
wildlife. This white paper seeks to identify a state of
the science on the toxic effects of plastics and their
associated chemicals on aquatic dependent wildlife
and aquatic life. This report identifies opportunities
for research to further our understanding of the
potential toxic impacts of plastic ingestion
throughout the food web.
Background
Plastic particles are generally the most abundant
type of debris encountered in the marine
environment with estimates suggesting that plastics
comprise between 60% and 80% of total marine
debris.
The effect of plastic on aquatic species is not well
understood beyond the obvious physical impacts.
Plastic debris may be a source of chemicals to the
aquatic environment by leaching chemical
ingredients used in plastic production. They can also
be a "sink" because contaminants in the
environment will attach (sorb) to the plastic and
concentrate there. Once plastic is ingested, there is
the potential for these chemicals to accumulate in
organisms and cause toxic effects.
Key contaminants detected in plastics in the aquatic
environment include: phthalates, polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAHs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs),
polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs),
alkylphenols, bisphenol A (BPA), and metals (e.g.,
cadmium, zinc, aluminum).
How does Plastic Enter the Water
The amount of plastic debris, such as plastic bags
and microbeads, entering marine and freshwater
environments has increased significantly since the
mass-production of plastics began in the 1940s and
1950s.
Plastic debris originates primarily from land-based
activities including landfills and littering. Sea-based
sources of plastics include commercial and
recreational fishing vessels, barges, recreational
boaters, oil and gas platforms, and aquaculture
farms.
Plastics can be transported to freshwater and marine
environments via streams and rivers, stormwater
and wastewater discharges, littering and improper
disposal along shorelines, wind, and extreme
weather events.
What is the Impact of Plastics on Aquatic
Species?
Aquatic species can become entangled or smothered
by plastic in the aquatic environment. Many species
eat plastic, which may lead to the animal's death
directly or indirectly because of poor nutrition and
dehydration.
When an animal eats plastic the chemicals
associated with the plastic have the potential to
accumulate and cause toxic effects. Some studies

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suggest that plastics and their associated chemicals
can have impacts such as contributing to liver issues,
reduced feeding, and compromised immunity.
Additional research is needed to learn the extent to
which plastics transfer contaminants to organisms,
as well as the toxic impacts of plastic ingestion.
Where can I find more information?
Please contact Christine Bergeron for more
information on this paper:
Bergeron.Christine@epa.gov
View on the web:
https://www.epa.gov/wqc/aquatic-life-ambient-
water-quality-criteria
For additional information on EPA efforts regarding
plastic pollution, visit EPA's Office of Water Trash
Free Waters Program (https://www.epa.gov/trash-
free-waters) which conducts research, outreach, and
education for state and local governments, the
private sector, and the general public on ways to
reduce and prevent plastic and other debris from
entering the aquatic environment.

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