Paint Is The Largest Source Of Microplastics In The Ocean, Study Finds

Particles of paint account for more than half (58%) of all the microplastics that end up in the world’s oceans and waterways every year, according to a new study.

The study by the Swiss-based Environmental Action (EA) claims that far more paint is leaking into the oceans than previously thought.

Previously studies have estimated that paint accounts for between 9 and 21% of microplastics in our ocean and waterways.

According to the researchers, 1.9 million tonnes of paint end up in the oceans and waterways every year, which represents 58% of all the microplastics in the water, and outweighs other sources of microplastics, including textile fibres and tyre dust. 

Plastic polymers are a key ingredient in many forms of paint and flakes can leak into the environmental while being applied to objects, or through normal wear and tear and removal. 

The researchers said paint can have a “significant negative impact” on the environment, especially if it is not disposed of cleanly and safely.

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