Microplastics & Health
Micro- and nanoplastics are all around us, in the water, in the air, but also in our food and even in our blood. We know these plastic particles can harm the environment, but we lack knowledge about their effect on our health. ZonMw funds research to fill this gap in our knowledge.
Aim of the programme
The Microplastics & Health programme was established in order to gain more insight into the possible health effects of tiny plastic particles, and what we can do to limit these effects. Knowledge is essential for the development of innovations and strategies that reduce potential health risks. Besides knowledge development, ZonMw therefore also encourages the use of research results in practice, policy, research and education.
Studies with a small budget and important outcomes
In 2018, 15 one-year breakthrough projects were funded. These projects have provided some initial insight into the effect of micro- and nanoplastics on cells and tissues. As part of the projects, it was also investigated whether particles can penetrate our body and cause chemical toxicity or transport harmful microorganisms.
These projects revealed that small plastic particles can pass through the intestinal wall, lungs, placenta and even the blood-brain barrier. They also appeared to disrupt the functioning of these different body cells. Sometimes, inflammatory responses occurred as well. Research into microplastics in the placenta received a ZonMw Pearl Award.
Creating MOMENTUM
Since 2021, 14 of the 15 projects have continued their groundbreaking research in the Microplastics and Human Health Consortium ‘MOMENTUM’. The consortium was funded by ZonMw, the Life Sciences & Health top sector, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, with co-funding from the consortium itself. The partners in the consortium were Dutch and international research organisations and parties from industry.
MOMENTUM received follow-up funding at the end of 2023, and was in a position to perform further research as MOMENTUM 2.0. In 2023 seven additional projects were awarded funding. Each of them is focusing on one of the following subjects: microplastics in the environment, consumer behaviour, interventions and standardised research methods. The 8 projects worked closely together to find answers to the most pressing questions from the ‘What are microplastics doing in our bodies?’ Knowledge Agenda 2020.
In 2025, the MOMENTUM 3.0 consortium received new funding from ZonMw, made possible by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. Building on existing research, the project focuses on 5 core areas: exposure routes, health effects, microbiological risks, risk assessment and interventions. These themes are based on a broad needs assessment conducted by ZonMw as part of the ‘Microplastics in our bodies’ Knowledge Agenda 2025.
Follow-up research is needed
Despite the substantial amount of knowledge gained in a short time, it is clear that we still lack sufficient understanding to take targeted measures to protect our health. Therefore, we developed the Knowledge Agenda 2025 ‘Microplastics in our bodies: the facts, questions and strategic goals’. It will be used to guide future research funding.
Commission
The programme committee consists of (inter)national experts. For each subsidy round, an assessment is made as to who will be part of the assessment committee.
Chair
- Prof. dr. M.P. (Maikel) Peppelenbosch
Vice-chair
- Dr. T. (Tanja) Kögel
Members
- H. (Heleen) van der Valk-Höhner
- Prof. dr. S.J.H.M. (Bas) van den Putte
- Prof. dr. ir. C.A. (Caroline) de Tender
- Dr. S.L. (Stephanie) Wright
- Prof. dr. S. (Sabine) Pahl
- Prof. dr. Kevin Thomas