Source: Zozimus Fernandes / CC BY SA 3.0A new study has revealed that almost 8,000 injuries occur on New Zealand beaches every year, with almost 600 caused by beach debris.

According to the research, which is published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, beach litter washed ashore or left behind by sunbathers was responsible for injuries where people were punctured or cut by sharp debris. In extreme cases, the waste was responsible for severe injuries such as fractured limbs, burns, head trauma and blindness. Beachgoers under the age of 14 experienced over 30% of beach litter-related injuries.

The potential for injury is as far-reaching as the waste washing ashore, which includes tripping hazards and objects capable of puncturing, burning or cutting beachcombers. Certain pollution could carry toxicity, disease and explosion risks, as well.

Among those reporting high beach-injury rates were sunbathers at a popular beach in Tasmania, Australia. Of those beachgoers, 21.6% had reported a beach debris-related injury. Despite the high number of self-reported injuries, those surveyed did not believe that beach litter presented injury risks.

Researchers determined that beach litter resulted in injury claims exceeding NZ$325,000 in 2016 — a jump from 1.2% in 2007 to 2.9% in 2016. Researchers analyzed reported injury insurance claims in New Zealand, suggesting injury rates could actually be higher considering instances where victims do not report minor wounds.

Researchers stated that cleaned beaches still contain hidden hazards, as users may be less vigilant if told the beach has been recently cleaned. Researchers warn that the issue isn’t simply about beachgoers picking up after themselves. The issue relies on consumers and authorities dealing with waste so it never makes it to the beach at all.