Concerns about the impact of plastic waste on the environment and human health have increased sharply in recent times.
In the first weather forecast on plastic pollution, scientists estimated that 44 to 48 kg of plastic fibers would fall into the sky of Paris every 24 hours, according to AFP today, May 26, citing calculations by scientists who have been studying this phenomenon in France since 2015.
During heavy rains, the number of plastic fibers falling from the sky to the ground is likely to increase tenfold.
The worrying weather event comes as diplomats from 175 countries gather in Paris for a five-day conference from May 29 to June 2, aimed at developing a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.
"The truth about plastic rain can help negotiators focus better at the negotiating table," AFP quoted report author Marcus Gover, head of plastic waste research efforts at the Minderoo Organization (headquartered in Perth, Australia).
“Plastic particles are spilling into the natural environment. Eventually, this toxic mixture enters the human body and causes unimaginable damage to human health,” said expert Gover.
Scientists found that most of the plastic fibres that fell over a 2,500 square kilometre area of Paris came from nylon and polyester, likely from clothing. Other pieces were released from tyres when the brakes were applied.
Experts estimate that up to 10 tons of plastic fibers fall on the Paris region each year.
The Paris forecast of plastic rain is based only on plastic fibers that are at least 50 microns in size, not microplastics. For comparison, a human hair is about 80 microns wide. Microplastics are less than 5 millimeters in diameter.
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