Marine plastic pollution is caused by humans and has become ubiquitous in the marine environment. Despite the widely acknowledged ecological consequences, the scientific evidence regarding detrimental human health impacts is currently debated, and there is no substantive evidence surrounding public opinion with respect to marine plastic pollution and human health. Results from a 15-country survey (n = 15,179) found that both the European and Australian public were highly concerned about the potential human health impacts of marine plastic pollution, and strongly supported the funding of research which aims to better understand its health/wellbeing implications. Multi-level modelling revealed that these perceptions varied across socio-demographic factors (e.g. gender), political orientation, marine contact factors (e.g. marine occupation and engagement in coastal recreation activities) and personality traits (e.g. openness, conscientiousness and agreeableness). Quantifying attitudes, as well as understanding how individual-level differences shape risk perception will enable policy makers and communicators to develop more targeted communications and initiatives that target a reduction in marine plastic pollution.

海洋塑料污染是由人类造成的，在海洋环境中已经无处不在。尽管存在广泛认可的生态后果，但关于对人类健康有害的科学证据目前仍在争论中，并且没有关于海洋塑料污染和人类健康的公众舆论的实质性证据。15 个国家（n = 15,179）的调查结果发现，欧洲和澳大利亚公众都高度关注海洋塑料污染对人类健康的潜在影响，并强烈支持资助旨在更好地了解其健康/福祉的研究影响。多层次模型显示，这些认知因社会人口因素（例如性别）、政治取向、海洋接触因素（例如 海洋职业和参与沿海休闲活动）和个性特征（例如开放性、尽责性和宜人性）。量化态度以及了解个体层面的差异如何影响风险认知，将使政策制定者和传播者能够制定更有针对性的交流和倡议，以减少海洋塑料污染。