[The Hwankyung Ilbo] The government has established ‘science and technology-based microplastics problem response strategies’ that focus on preemptive and systemic responses to environmental pollution and health threats that can occur due to microplastics.

Accordingly, the government has set up its vision as a ‘society where the people can feel safe from microplastics’, and prepared short-term and mid-term countermeasures designed to address social unrest caused by microplastics and lay the foundation for public health care.

First, proactive technology development and effective plastic waste management policy to minimize microplastics occurrence will be promoted to effectively manage plastic waste.

Second, in order to enhance scientific understanding, global networks will be established to produce and accumulate information, such as standardization of microplastics measurement and analysis, survey of pollution, research on human and ecological risks.

Third, the scientific microplastic response base will be established to develop new materials for alternative materials, effective processing and control technologies for microplastics, and to support them systematically, which can minimize the impact on the human body, ecosystem and industry.

Fourth, social unrest will be resolved through optimal management of microplastics for protecting national health and preventing the spread of pollution, and safety management of microplastic by establishing a whole-cycle response system based on participation by pan-ministerial departments.

Finally, the government will operate a pan-government consultative body to cope with microplastics integration and strengthen on-site contacts for participation of various social members in order to lay the foundation for problem-solving that science and technology and society share.

조수빈 리포터  press@hkbs.co.kr

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