A study on reduction of health damage caused by microplastics (Ⅱ)
- Author Park, Jeonggue
- Researchers Suh, Yang-won; Jo, Jihye; Ju, Munsol; Park, Haneul; Han, Sunyoung
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Date
2020-12-31
I. Research Background and Purposes
oBackground and rationale
ㅇThe continuously increasing quantity of plastics and the wide application scope of microplastics have highlighted the need to regulate their use.
ㅇWhile investments in microplastics research and national R&D projects have increased, there is a general lack of detailed scientific evidence with respect to the impact of microplastics. A big-data study to compile and analyze the relevant research findings is necessary; a risk assessment method should be used to scientifically evaluate the impact of microplastics.
ㅇNumerous countries have implemented regulations on primary microplastics; however, as these regulations only target certain product groups and microbeads, the actual effect of the regulations is not expected to be great. This implies the need for a method to regulate microplastics that suits each product group and takes into account the characteristics of microplastics.
o Year 2020 (second year) objectives and main activities
ㅇTo conduct an up-to-date basic investigation of the current status of microplastics; review the risk assessment method; and review the current management status of the main source of secondary microplastics
-To analyze the latest research findings regarding environmental pollution and determine the actual status of environmental pollution
-To analyze the findings of previous studies on exposure and impact and determine the current level of health hazards
-To evaluate the risk assessment method for microplastics
-To analyze domestic and overseas regulations on primary microplastics
oBackground and rationale
ㅇThe continuously increasing quantity of plastics and the wide application scope of microplastics have highlighted the need to regulate their use.
ㅇWhile investments in microplastics research and national R&D projects have increased, there is a general lack of detailed scientific evidence with respect to the impact of microplastics. A big-data study to compile and analyze the relevant research findings is necessary; a risk assessment method should be used to scientifically evaluate the impact of microplastics.
ㅇNumerous countries have implemented regulations on primary microplastics; however, as these regulations only target certain product groups and microbeads, the actual effect of the regulations is not expected to be great. This implies the need for a method to regulate microplastics that suits each product group and takes into account the characteristics of microplastics.
o Year 2020 (second year) objectives and main activities
ㅇTo conduct an up-to-date basic investigation of the current status of microplastics; review the risk assessment method; and review the current management status of the main source of secondary microplastics
-To analyze the latest research findings regarding environmental pollution and determine the actual status of environmental pollution
-To analyze the findings of previous studies on exposure and impact and determine the current level of health hazards
-To evaluate the risk assessment method for microplastics
-To analyze domestic and overseas regulations on primary microplastics