Material flow analysis on microplastics provides recommendations for reducing microplastics in the Netherlands; effective measures include extension of deposit schemes on returnable plastics, research in improved recycling technologies, and “R-strategies”
October 28, 2022
Microplastics in humans: current knowledge and potential implications
Review summarizes microplastics abundance and characteristics in human biological samples including current research approaches employed, challenges, and prospects; study indicates microplastics impact human meconium and placenta microbiota; review outlines current evidence on microplastic effects upon exposure during early developmental stage
October 4, 2022
Microplastics in placentas: occurrence, sources, and effects
Three studies on microplastics and the human placenta; demonstrate particle presence in several intracellular compartments of placentas for the first time; assume breastfeeding and plastic toy usage as microplastic exposure sources to lactating infants; associate placental plastics with reduced fetal growth
September 28, 2022
Contaminants migrate from pipes into drinking water worldwide
Review summarizes the scientific knowledge on five groups of contaminants migrating from drinking water distribution systems into tap water; reports microplastics, bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, nonylphenol (NP), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) detected in tap water and may stem from pipes and reservoirs; finds pipe material type largely influences contaminant migration
September 26, 2022
Microplastic exposure through drinking cups and human health impacts
Study finds up to 6000 particles/L to be released from disposable drinking cups; scientists estimate humans ingest 37,613–89,294 microplastics through plastic cups use per year; study suggests consumption from plastic containers changes human gut and oral microbiota composition; review concludes that uptake of microplastics carrying pathogens may impact human health
September 23, 2022
WHO report on potential human health implications of microplastics
World Health Organization (WHO) report assesses human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics via inhalation and diet as well as potential health implications; finds available data of limited use for risk assessment
September 15, 2022
Scientists report negative impacts of nanoplastics on human placental cells
Study compares toxicity of nanoplastic particles with different sizes and surface charges on human placental cells; demonstrates smaller particles induce higher toxicity; recommend performing nanoplastic risk assessment on reproduction and fetal development
September 2, 2022
The Minderoo – Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health
Scientists, policy analysts, and healthcare workers from around the world announce formation of the Minderoo – Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health; Commission plans to analyze plastic’s health impacts and develop science-based solutions to protect human health until March 2023
September 1, 2022
EC: draft proposal to restrict intentionally added microplastics
European Commission (EC) publishes draft proposal to restrict intentionally-added synthetic polymer microparticles < 5 mm; could ban use of microplastics in cosmetics, cleaning products, pesticides, and sport fields; environmental groups warn of shortcomings
August 30, 2022
Microplastics in food: occurrence, source, detection, and perception
Three studies investigate microplastics in foods; review summarizes particle migration from food packaging into honey and calls for universal analysis methods; research study presents analytical method to detect and identify microplastics in certain foods; survey finds public seems unaware of food packaging as microplastic source and seldomly connects microplastics with human health consequences
