Microplastics

Plastic waste is polluting our oceans, rivers, soil and air. Plastic can break down into tiny parts called microplastics and nanoplastics. These small parts of plastic are also released, for example, when synthetic clothing is washed, when car tyres are wearing out and they are deliberately added to paint, cosmetics and cleaning products. It is still largely unknown what impact microplastics have on our health. This is a matter of great concern, particularly because the amount of microplastics in our living environment is increasing.

Knowing more about the health risks of microplastics will help us to prevent any damage to our health. This is why ZonMw is funding research projects studying the effect of microplastics and nanoplastics on our health. We have put this important topic on the agenda. We also encourage the use of research results both in practice, policy making, research and education.

To calculate what the health risks of microplastics are for human beings, research needs to be conducted into the origin of these small particles and the way they are spreading. We also want to find out how microplastics end up inside the body, how they spread throughout the body or how they are broken down into small particles, and whether they damage the body. This requires long-term research studies.

There is so much we can already do, even if the effect of microplastics on our health is not completely known yet. For example, research into behaviour can help to reduce our exposure to mircoplastics and nanoplastics. Secondly, regular risk assessments based on current knowledge can help us to take specific measures. And finally, dialogue between government organisations, environmental and consumer organisations, the world of business and researchers makes sure that research is aligned with what is needed in practice. Making sure that knowledge and research results are applied in good time.

With the Microplastics & Health programme, ZonMw funds research projects studying the effect of microplastics and nanoplastics on people’s health. These projects also explore possible solutions for policy making and practice. This research has already produced a great deal of knowledge. The Netherlands is taking the global lead on this.

For example, researchers of the MOMENTUM consortium discovered that microplastics and nanoplastics can pass through the membranes of bowels and airways. Particles were found in people’s blood, in amniotic fluid during pregnancies and they can reach the brain. They seem to accumulate in the liver and the spleen.

The consortium also developed unique model parts of various types of plastic for lab testing. They were able to show a wide range of effects on human cells and tissues, including inflammatory reactions.

MOMENTUM also developed a framework for risk assessment. This makes it clearer which information is not available yet. What’s more, this consortium is a successful collaboration between several Dutch research groups and other public-private parties in the field of microplastics and health.

Although a great deal of knowledge has been gathered in a relatively short period of time, we don’t know enough yet to take specific measures to protect our health. Are you curious to find out what the national and international research has already established, what else is needed, and what we can start doing already?