The article "Understanding the leaching of plastic additives and subsequent risks to ecosystems" by Asmara Iftikhar et al. explores the environmental and ecological impacts of plastic additives leaching into the environment. The authors highlight the significant role of additives in enhancing the usability, performance, and cost-effectiveness of plastics. However, these additives, which include phthalates, flame retardants, stabilizers, and antioxidants, can leach into the environment, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. The study emphasizes the need to understand the chemical composition and exposure levels of these additives to assess their potential impacts. It also discusses the persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity of additives like hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The authors note the limited regulatory and transparency regarding plastic additive chemicals and the urgent need to address the risks associated with their release into the environment. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the leaching process, the mechanisms of attachment and detachment of toxic pollutants from MPs, and the environmental impact of MP additives on marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. It concludes by calling for further research to bridge knowledge gaps and develop effective strategies to mitigate the risks posed by plastic additives.The article "Understanding the leaching of plastic additives and subsequent risks to ecosystems" by Asmara Iftikhar et al. explores the environmental and ecological impacts of plastic additives leaching into the environment. The authors highlight the significant role of additives in enhancing the usability, performance, and cost-effectiveness of plastics. However, these additives, which include phthalates, flame retardants, stabilizers, and antioxidants, can leach into the environment, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. The study emphasizes the need to understand the chemical composition and exposure levels of these additives to assess their potential impacts. It also discusses the persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity of additives like hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The authors note the limited regulatory and transparency regarding plastic additive chemicals and the urgent need to address the risks associated with their release into the environment. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the leaching process, the mechanisms of attachment and detachment of toxic pollutants from MPs, and the environmental impact of MP additives on marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. It concludes by calling for further research to bridge knowledge gaps and develop effective strategies to mitigate the risks posed by plastic additives.