# Investigating the Impact of Plastic on Health and Oceans
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Chapter 1: The eXXpedition Voyage
On a splendid July morning in Victoria, British Columbia, the azure sky and water create a picturesque scene. Aboard the Sea Dragon, a 72-foot research vessel, four dedicated women from the "eXXpedition" team work tirelessly to retrieve black sludge from the ocean floor, all while listening to upbeat music from Drake and Selena Gomez. They carefully transfer this wet sand into glass jars, akin to pickling fresh vegetables. These samples contribute to a growing library of sand, water, and air samples collected over six weeks from the North Pacific, soon to be analyzed by marine scientist Imogen Napper in Plymouth, England. The goal is to identify the types of plastics present in our oceans.
The eXXpedition crew, consisting of 14 women, embarked from Hawaii in June, navigating the North Pacific Gyre, specifically the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch." Contrary to the notion of large islands of trash, founder Emily Penn describes it as a plastic soup, filled with trillions of tiny particles that cover a vast expanse of ocean.
As the team sailed into the Gyre, they began observing plastic debris every ten seconds — from cigarette lighters to various containers. "The relentlessness of it all is overwhelming," Penn reflects, as she dodges water spray on deck. Through this voyage, the crew aims to shed light on the pervasive issue of plastic pollution, which extends far beyond a single patch of the ocean.
The samples collected will help ascertain how plastics might attract harmful pollutants, such as pesticides, and transfer them to humans through the food chain. Concurrently, the team documents their experiences and develops ideas for policy and technology to combat the plastic crisis.
Section 1.1: The Health Impact of Plastics
Amidst the research, a critical question arises: What effects do plastics have on human health? While advancements have been made in understanding the health risks posed by chemicals from plastics, many unknowns remain. Evidence suggests that certain chemicals found in plastics are linked to serious health issues, including various cancers and reproductive problems.
Compounds like bisphenol A (BPA), which leach into food and beverages from plastic containers, have been tentatively associated with cancer risks. Yet, they are just the tip of the iceberg. Numerous chemicals are either suspected of being harmful or confirmed as dangerous, and they permeate our environment and bodies.
Emily Penn notes in the U.N. Chronicle that we all carry a "chemical footprint" from these pollutants, which can disrupt hormonal functions and even affect fetal development during pregnancy. This realization motivated her to establish eXXpedition as an all-women initiative, emphasizing the significance of passing these chemicals to future generations.
Section 1.2: The Science Behind Endocrine Disruption
The exploration of hormonal disruptions caused by plastic compounds dates back to a significant discovery by Ana Soto in 1991. At a conference, Soto revealed that a compound leaking from a newly formulated plastic tube affected cell proliferation as if it were the natural hormone estrogen. This marked the identification of nonylphenol as an endocrine disruptor.
Endocrine disruptors interfere with hormone signaling, which can lead to developmental changes and increase cancer risk. Soto's ongoing research has shown that exposure to these chemicals in utero can result in tumors, fertility issues, and behavioral problems later in life.
Despite the extensive research, two major challenges remain: the ubiquitous nature of plastic exposure and the lengthy timeline for diseases like cancer to develop. While animal studies support the link between endocrine disruptors and health issues, human studies face obstacles in establishing control groups and identifying causative effects over time.
Chapter 2: The Global Impact of Plastic Pollution
The eXXpedition team is acutely aware of the ongoing challenge of plastic pollution. Their analysis extends beyond the ocean surface, uncovering microplastics in marine life and the air. For example, research indicates that microplastics may enter the ocean from textile fibers released during laundry cycles.
Laura Leiva, a doctoral student, finds that most of the plastic particles collected are textile-based. As they navigate the ocean, the team uncovers alarming statistics, counting over 500 pieces of microplastic in a single sample, indicating a staggering concentration of plastic in our waters.
The breakdown of plastics in the ocean leads to further contamination, releasing harmful chemicals and creating a cycle of pollution that persists. As Halden explains, plastics can concentrate toxins and transfer them up the food chain, posing significant risks to marine life and humans alike.
The eXXpedition's findings underscore the urgent need for awareness and action. While the complete eradication of plastics in the ocean may be unrealistic, implementing regulatory measures before new products hit the market is essential to mitigate future risks.
In conclusion, the work of eXXpedition not only seeks to understand the current state of plastic pollution but also aims to inspire change. Despite the daunting challenges, the team believes that raising awareness and fostering a collective response can lead to meaningful progress in addressing the plastic crisis.