"Plastics in daily use are generally assumed to be quite stable," said Katsuhiko Saido, one of the authors of the research. "We found that plastic in the ocean actually decomposes as it is exposed to the rain and sun and other environmental conditions, giving rise to yet another source of global contamination that will continue into the future."
Research in animals suggests that exposure to BPA can disrupt hormone systems. The scientists say that it is unclear whether marine animals are being exposed to these chemicals at sufficient concentrations to harm their health.
