Microplastics and human health
Researchers in the MOMENTUM project investigated the impact of small plastic particles, called microplastics, on our health. They improved methodologies, tested the toxicity of microplastics in human cells, developed risk assessment frameworks, and created a roadmap for solutions to understand and minimise the potential health effects of microplastics.
The widespread use of plastic materials, including packaging, textiles and rubber tyres, leads to the release of plastic particles into the environment. Tiny plastic particles, also known as micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), have been found in our environment and in our bodies. The MOMENTUM project aimed to unravel the human health effects of MNP exposure and to propose solutions to minimize their potential health effects. To achieve this, the project developed standardized MNPs for toxicity testing and studied their formation from larger pieces of plastic through weathering. Methods to detect MNPs in human blood were optimized, and initial epidemiological studies indicated an association between plastic polymers in blood and immune responses in young adults. Animal studies demonstrated that MNPs can be found in blood and tissues like liver, spleen and lung, depending on the exposure route and dose. Laboratory experiments with human cell culture models showed different effects of MNPs after short term exposure. Polyamide (PA) particles (<1 µm) were toxic to lung cells, possibly due to the chemicals in PA. Polyvinylchloride particles (<1 µm) and polystyrene (10µm) affected the survival of immune cells. Polypropylene particles showed minimal effects in all models tested, including brain and placenta cells. Additionally, the project found that pathogens attached to MNPs could persist in the environment for extended periods. Finally, the project developed a risk assessment framework and solutions roadmap, providing a foundation for evaluating risks and identifying practical solutions. These findings contribute to a better understanding of MNPs and their associated health effects.
https://momentummicroplastics.nl/
All partners:
Universiteit Utrecht
Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Open Universiteit
Technische Universiteit Twente
Wageningen Universiteit
Universiteit Maastricht
Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
American Chemistry Council
Antea Nederland B.V.
WESSLING GmbH
SiMPLInext SA
CytoSMART Technologies B.V.
Borm Nanoconsult B.V.
AVANTIUM Support B.V.
Bruker Nederland B.V.
Lyondell
MalvernPanalytical
Aimplas
Da Vinci Laboratory Solutions B.V.
VITROCELL Systems GmbH
Deltares
RIVM
KWR
Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
BASF Nederland B.V.
Plastics Europe
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