Microplastics: linkage to the gut’s microbiome and autism spectrum disorder

Scientific study reports that gut passages change polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics morphology and alter human microbial colonic community composition; another study finds polyethylene (PE) microplastics to accumulate in the brain and induce autism spectrum disorder-like symptoms using a mouse model

Microplastic impacts on child health: knowns and unknowns

Scientific commentary discusses pregnancy- and child-relevant exposure to and impacts of nano- and microplastics: finds 37 studies mostly on plastic particles in food and placental transfer, identifies major knowledge gaps, and advocates policymakers and industry to implement precautionary approaches; Nature Reviews Materials article proposes microplastic risk assessment framework

Multi-criteria framework to prioritize polymers of concern

Scientists develop holistic conceptual framework to characterize and rank the environmental risks of plastic polymers; tool can support targeted investment and mitigation strategies

Commentary on microplastics as a vector for chemical transport

Scientists respond to perspective article providing clarifications on plastic-driven long-range environmental transport (LRET) of chemical additives; discuss nine shortcomings of the perspective; suggest omitting the perspective article in discussions on plastic debris-associated LRET of additives

Scientists explore effects of micro- and nanoplastics on mammals, including humans

Research studies show maternal polystyrene (PS) particle exposure can cause testicular and hepatic toxicity in male mouse offspring; report PS microplastics affect rat ovary function; find correlation between human fecal microplastics levels and Inflammatory Bowel Disease; reviews summarize potential human health effects; study develops a tool to screen and prioritize micro-and nanoplastics toxicity studies for human health risks evaluation

Reviews discuss health hazards of plastics including PFAS

Medical professionals elaborate on health hazards connected with plastic production, use, and waste; give options to reduce impacts on humans and the planet; scientists summarize current knowledge on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) occurrence and migration from food packaging and microplastics

Scientific studies evaluate microplastic effects on human cells

Rapid review assesses microplastics impacts on human cells and reports thresholds of effects lower than previously predicted; scientific study finds polystyrene (PS) microplastics to have nephrotoxic potential; reproduction and fertility study with mice reports PS microplastics to affect females more than males

European Commission calls for evidence on microplastic pollution

New EU regulatory initiative aims to curb the emissions of microplastics into the environment; public call for evidence to inform an impact assessment and policymaking open until December 28, 2021; targets tires, pellet losses, and synthetic textiles

EU delays decisions on polymer registration, EDCs, and microplastics

Mandates for CARACAL subgroups on polymer registration and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) set to be extended by up to two years; proposed legislation on microplastics now seemingly delayed by one year

Study reports microplastics induce reproductive toxicity in pregnant mice

Research study finds polystyrene microplastics exposure of pregnant mice leads to fetal losses by immune disturbance; book chapter estimates human chemical exposure via seafood contaminated with microplastics