The compounds can potentially cause cancer in humans, and simpler life-forms may be even more susceptible. These plastic-derived pollutants may also be prevalent throughout the water column and not just at the surface. Once Styrofoam, for example, breaks down, the tiny polystyrene components start to sink because they're heavier than water. Plastic debris is estimated to disperse (分散) over millions of square miles of ocean and miles' deep in the water column (水柱), and hence the damage caused by polystyrene components may be happening throughout all the oceans of the world.What is estimated about the potential damage caused by plastic-derived pollutants?

Now, the findings of the Japanese scientists suggest that sea animals also face the invisible threat of toxic, plastic-derived chemicals. The compounds can potentially cause cancer in humans, and simpler life-forms may be even more susceptible. These plastic-derived pollutants may also be prevalent throughout the water column and not just at the surface. Once Styrofoam, for example, breaks down, the tiny polystyrene components start to sink because they're heavier than water. Plastic debris is estimated to disperse (分散) over millions of square miles of ocean and miles' deep in the water column (水柱), and hence the damage caused by polystyrene components may be happening throughout all the oceans of the world. What is estimated about the potential damage caused by plastic-derived pollutants? A. It may be happening just in areas near the surface of the ocean. B. It may be fatal for marine species living in warm areas of the ocean. C. It may be taking place throughout the water column of the ocean.