Topics
nanoplastics
November 24, 2025
European research cluster to understand the health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) publishes roadmap for future research; highlights five transversal themes: analytical methods and representative materials, exposure and hazard assessment, risk assessment frameworks, and mitigation measures
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 24, 2025
New research published by the Food Packaging Forum (FPF) finds that normal and intended use of plastic food packaging and other food contact articles (FCAs) can release micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) into food; identifies research gaps; suggests need for harmonized testing and reporting to improve data reliability; recommends regulations to mandate MNP migration testing for FCAs
Topics: microplastics, nanoplastics
Reading time: 3 minutes
August 15, 2024
Provides general information on micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs); claims there is no evidence showing health risks; comments on lack of standardized methods for detecting, quantifying, and characterizing MNPs
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 20, 2024
New study examines long-term effects of polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics on mitochondrial health under realistic exposure conditions; repeated exposure to PS nanoplastics impaired mitochondrial function and cell differentiation process, possibly linked to metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity; other recent studies found that PS micro- and nanoplastics negatively affect immune function, pregnancy outcomes, and gut health in various models
Reading time: 3 minutes
April 15, 2024
Literature review of micro- and nano(bio)plastics research; scrutinizes the complexities of micro- and nano(bio)plastics degradation and their toxicological effects; highlights gaps in long-term impact studies and interactions with environmental conditions; challenges the assumption that "biodegradable" means complete degradation; calls for greater transparency in research practices to bolster collective understanding
Reading time: 2 minutes
April 11, 2024
Two studies investigate micro- and nanoplastics measured in foods; review the range of reported values and diversity of study methods; make suggestions to standardize research methodologies; one study outlines additional standards the micro – nanoplastics research community needs to develop in order to assist regulators
Topics: microplastics, nanoplastics
Reading time: 4 minutes
March 21, 2023
Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health publishes extensive report summarizing plastics’ effects across life cycle on human health, environment, and the economy; health effects cost society hundreds of billions every year; report includes actions for “governments and industries to minimize the negative consequences of global plastic contamination”
Topics: BPA, human health, microplastics, nanoplastics, PFAS, phthalates, plastic, pollution, supply chain
Reading time: 4 minutes
February 20, 2023
California State Policy Evidence Consortium and DG Environment publish reports on the abundance, health effects and (potential) regulations on microplastics and nanoplastics, respectively; first finds most regulations come from California or EU and concern banning microbeads or mandating more research; second argues against a lower size cutoff of nanoplastics since the smaller the plastic particles, the more likely they can cross biological membranes
Reading time: 4 minutes
July 18, 2022
Two studies assess fetal and infant exposure to plastic particles and impacts on mouse fetuses; detect microplastics in 26 out of 34 human breastmilk samples; report polystyrene particles negatively impact mouse fetuses
Reading time: 3 minutes
June 21, 2022
Two in vitro studies analyze plastic particle effects using human cells; find polystyrene (PS) particles change metabolism of human colon cells similar to a carcinogen; PS nanoplastics may have cytotoxic and genotoxic potential on human blood lymphocytes; mouse study indicates microplastics increase risk of insulin resistance; researchers calculate particle ingestion from takeaway containers
Reading time: 4 minutes
