POLYRISK researchers have developed a new approach to simplify risk assessment of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs). By creating a comprehensive state-of-the-art risk assessment framework, researchers at the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment are providing a tool to examine MNPs that are of potential concern for human health.

Building on existing testing and assessment approaches, the framework takes you through a three-step process to identify MNPs, group them, and prioritise them based on their potential to cause harm. The framework focuses primarily on exposure to MNPs through inhalation, but it is easily adaptable, so that other routes of exposure can be included in the future.

“Micro- and nanoplastics are increasingly being found across our environment and we are exposed to these particles every day. The POLYRISK framework is an important step in addressing the challenges of risk assessment of these complex and pervasive materials.” – Amelie Vogel, PhD candidate, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment.

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Plastic pollution and human health

Plastic pollution is one of the most serious environmental challenges of this century. Due to its versatility, plastic production has increased 80-fold between the 1950s and 2022 – from 5 million metric tons globally to 400 million tons. As we produce more plastic, more waste will be released into the environment, contributing significantly to plastic pollution.

MNPs are ubiquitous in our environment. Research shows that we are exposed to these particles every day, yet we still do not know if and in what ways they may harm our health. The POLYRISK risk assessment framework is a crucial step towards tackling this knowledge gap and understanding how these particles may affect human health.

Regulating microplastic particles

Plastic pollution has increased in recent decades. Plastic consists of synthetic polymers, large molecules created by chemically linking smaller building blocks. 2023 saw the first regulatory measure to address plastics with an amendment to EU REACH restricting specific types of synthetic polymer microparticles.

Accompanying the toolbox, the publication Towards a Risk Assessment Framework for Micro- and Nanoplastic Particles for Human Health provides guidance for applying the framework and suggests test methods for categorising and prioritising potentially harmful MNPs. As more researchers apply this framework, we can develop a better understanding of the potential threat that plastic particles pose to human health.

“Identifying micro-and nanoplastic particles that pose a risk to human health is a complex process. The POLYRISK risk assessment framework equips scientists with a valuable tool and some initial guidance for this work and at the same time it is a reasonable starting point for policymakers to take action.” – Andrea Haase, Unit Head Fibre and Nanotoxicology, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment.

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