Leiden University Student Repository

Zuidhoek, Roy (2023)

A history of (micro)plastic toxicity

Bachelor thesis | Geschiedenis (BA)

This thesis aims to investigate the impact of knowledge about microplastics and their toxicity on changes in public awareness and government policies in the 21st century. The research centers on the United States due to its significant historical involvement in the chemical industry and current status as a major plastic producer. The study spans from the early 20th century to the present, offering a unique historical perspective. This research holds historical significance as it addresses a relatively unexplored area of microplastics in the context of historical analysis. Unlike most studies that concentrate on specific cases, this research provides a comprehensive view of how the American population and government have responded to plastics and their associated risks over the course of more than a century.

Microplastics

Toxicity

20th century

21th century

USA

Public debate

Political debate

Author

Zuidhoek, Roy

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Milieugeschiedenis (Algemene Geschiedenis)

Supervisors

Fazzi, D

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en