Researchers across Europe, who are part of the EU research cluster to understand the health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics (CUSP), released their final policy brief calling for stronger regulation, increased funding, and initiatives to raise public awareness to protect people from plastics.
Health impacts of plastic particles
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) have become a global environmental concern, infiltrating every aspect of human life. Studies indicate that MNPs pose potential risks to human health, including carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, respiratory impacts, and immunotoxicity.
Researchers from the five EU-funded projects, including POLYRISK, have shed light on several health hazards, ways of exposure, and developed risk assessment frameworks to examine the health impacts of MNPs, outlined in the policy brief.
Policy recommendations
Based on findings from four years of research, researchers recommend that policymakers prioritise:
- Strengthening regulatory frameworks, such as integrating MNP risk assessments into existing EU regulations.
- Enhancing standard and certification practices for products and processes, such as developing eco-labelling and certification schemes to help consumers identify products with minimal MNP impact.
- Investing in research and innovation, such as funding for long term studies and developing field-specific analytical tools.
- Raising public awareness about the risks posed by MNPs to planetary health, and promoting the use of eco-friendly alternatives to reduce MNP pollution.
- Adopting precautionary measures considering the uncertainties surrounding the health risks.