Every summer, we flock to the beaches without considering the hidden risks beneath the surface. But some pollutants in the water and sand can impact our health in ways we can’t see.
The UN Ocean Summit (UNOC-3), taking place from June 9-13 in Nice, highlights that protecting the oceans is not just about preserving biodiversity—it’s also about safeguarding our health. Some of the most urgent threats include invisible pollutants like microplastics, chemical contaminants, and bacteria, which not only affect marine life but can also pose direct health risks to us.
The Silent Spread of Microplastics in Our Oceans
Today, it’s estimated that there are between 75 and 199 million tons of plastic in the oceans, making up about 85% of marine debris. Even more staggering, there are approximately 24,400 billion microplastic particles floating on the surface of seas and oceans globally. These microplastics are invisible to the naked eye and accumulate both in the sand on beaches and in the water, where they absorb harmful chemicals like mercury, PCBs, and other toxins. Marine animals then ingest these toxins, and they make their way up the food chain, ultimately ending up in our diets.
From Ocean to Plate: The Hidden Threat
According to a study from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, about 85% of mussels, 53% of oysters, and as much as 86% of certain fish and shellfish in river mouths in the Mediterranean and Atlantic are contaminated with microplastics. “Plastics from the 1960s are still found on the ocean floor, marking the extent of human pollution,” says Michael Grelaud, an oceanographer at ICTA-UAB, who oversees the project. These particles are not only harmful to marine life but also to humans who eat the seafood.
The risk is especially concerning for pregnant women, children, and coastal populations who are more exposed. The buildup of contaminants in the body can impact fetal development, weaken the immune system, and cause neurological issues.
Sand as a Breeding Ground for Resistant Bacteria
A 2023 study published in Environmental Pollution found that some beaches, particularly in the Mediterranean, are home to pathogenic bacteria resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics. These bacteria thrive on the microplastics in the sand, providing them with an ideal environment for survival and reproduction. This issue is a growing public health concern, particularly for children who play in the sand or people with weakened immune systems.
As summer draws near and millions head to the coast, these invisible dangers call for greater awareness. Simple actions like washing hands after playing in the sand, avoiding swallowing seawater, and thoroughly rinsing seafood before eating can reduce the risk of exposure.
The UNOC-3 summit in Nice serves as a critical reminder that the health of our oceans is intrinsically linked to our own. Protecting our coastlines means protecting our health and that of future generations.
Nathalie Mayer
Journalist
Born in Lorraine on a freezing winter night, storytelling has always inspired me, first through my grandmother’s tales and later Stephen King’s imagination. A physicist turned science communicator, I’ve collaborated with institutions like CEA, Total, Engie, and Futura. Today, I focus on unraveling Earth’s complex environmental and energy challenges, blending science with storytelling to illuminate solutions.
