Topics
microplastics
September 1, 2026
All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Microplastics, UK, publishes 5-year report on state of microplastic pollution in the UK; authors call for precautionary approach and early implementation of coordinated actions to align with current evidence, need for policy leadership, and cost-effective management of microplastics and their adverse impacts
Topics: microplastics
Reading time: 2 minutes
July 29, 2026
Using epidemiological data of 136,982 adults, scientists examine association between occupational airborne micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) exposure and respiratory health outcomes; find occupational exposure to be associated with reduced lung function and increased odds of respiratory symptoms
Topics: microplastics
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 25, 2026
U.S. researchers and health professionals outline current evidence for childhood exposure to toxic chemicals from plastics, micro- and nanoplastics; highlight plastic-associated neurodevelopmental conditions as “a significant public health concern”; call for policy action to limit exposure to plastic-associated toxic chemicals, especially among children
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 12, 2026
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishes draft contaminant list that may require regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act; list also covers microplastics; Food Packaging Forum (FPF) comments that measures to reduce microplastic exposure must begin now
Topics: microplastics, USA
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 8, 2026
Nature Health study assesses over 100 brain samples for micro- and nanoplastic presence, their exact location, and potential entry pathways; particles present in almost all samples; disrupted blood-brain barrier suggested to facilitate particle entry into brain
Topics: human health, microplastics
Reading time: 2 minutes
May 25, 2026
Greenpeace International-commissioned study finds microplastic and chemical contamination in baby food packaged in flexible pouches from Nestlé and Danone; detects plastic-associated hormone disruptor and potential obesogen in purees; calls on Gerber and U.S. Government to act
Reading time: 4 minutes
May 4, 2026
In a commentary, The Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics outlines the multiple harms of plastic, including micro- and nanoplastics; describes necessary interventions and tracking of measures over time; explains why constructive debate is essential for advancing the science
Reading time: 2 minutes
April 27, 2026
Report from Plastic Soup Foundation reviews scientific literature on microplastics; highlights sources in five consumer product categories, including food; shares FCMiNo as searchable resource for evidence on microplastics in food from food contact articles; describes challenges with quality of scientific studies; asserts need for action
Topics: food packaging, microplastics
Reading time: 3 minutes
April 23, 2026
New report estimates the global burden of micro- and nanoplastics in food attributable to plastic packaging; estimate 131 mg per person annually; PET bottles, and rigid PET and polyethylene containers the greatest sources
Topics: microplastics
Reading time: 3 minutes
April 21, 2026
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s Human Foods Program publishes list of research, data, and methods needs; highlights knowledge gaps for food contact chemicals; includes PFAS, microplastics, and nanoparticles; Program receives $109 million increase in funding from US government
Reading time: 3 minutes
