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. 2009 Jul 27;364(1526):1973-6.
doi: 10.1098/rstb.2009.0054.

Our plastic age

Richard C Thompson  1 , Shanna H Swan, Charles J Moore, Frederick S vom Saal
Affiliations

Our plastic age

Richard C Thompson et al. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. .

Abstract

Within the last few decades, plastics have revolutionized our daily lives. Globally we use in excess of 260 million tonnes of plastic per annum, accounting for approximately 8 per cent of world oil production. In this Theme Issue of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, we describe current and future trends in usage, together with the many benefits that plastics bring to society. At the same time, we examine the environmental consequences resulting from the accumulation of waste plastic, the effects of plastic debris on wildlife and concerns for human health that arise from the production, usage and disposal of plastics. Finally, we consider some possible solutions to these problems together with the research and policy priorities necessary for their implementation.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Summary illustrating historical stages in the development, production and use of plastics together with associated concerns and legislative measures (numerous sources). Solid red line shows plastic production in millions of tonnes (Mt). Reproduced with permission from APME (2006). BPA, bisphenol A; PVC, polyvinyl chloride.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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