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Risks of plastic debris: Unravelling fact, opinion, perception, and belief
Koelmans, A.A.; Besseling, E.; Foekema, E.M.; Kooi, M.; Mintenig, S.; Ossendorp, B.C.; Redondo-Hasselerharm, P.E.; Verschoor, A.; van Wezel, A.P.; Scheffer, M. (2017). Risks of plastic debris: Unravelling fact, opinion, perception, and belief. Environ. Sci. Technol. 51(20): 11513-11519. https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.7b02219
In: Environmental Science and Technology. American Chemical Society: Easton. ISSN 0013-936X; e-ISSN 1520-5851, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Authors  Top 
  • Koelmans, A.A.
  • Besseling, E.
  • Foekema, E.M., more
  • Kooi, M.
  • Mintenig, S.
  • Ossendorp, B.C.
  • Redondo-Hasselerharm, P.E.
  • Verschoor, A.
  • van Wezel, A.P.
  • Scheffer, M.

Abstract
    Researcher and media alarms have caused plastic debris to be perceived as a major threat to humans and animals. However, although the waste of plastic in the environment is clearly undesirable for aesthetic and economic reasons, the actual environmental risks of different plastics and their associated chemicals remain largely unknown. Here we show how a systematic assessment of adverse outcome pathways based on ecologically relevant metrics for exposure and effect can bring risk assessment within reach. Results of such an assessment will help to respond to the current public worry in a balanced way and allow policy makers to take measures for scientifically sound reasons.

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