News
What risks do micro- and nanoplastics pose to human health?
By creating a comprehensive state-of-the-art risk assessment framework, POLYRISK researchers are providing a tool to examine MNPs that are of potential concern for human health.
Understanding micro and nano-plastics one puzzle piece at a time
Meet Annemijne van den Berg, PhD researcher at the Institute of Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University and learn more about how her research sheds light on the health impacts of MNPs.
Webinar recording – Micro- and Nanoplastics and Public Health
Watch the recording of our latest webinar with EDC Strategies Partnership to learn more about the latest science on the health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics.
Policy brief: Micro- and nanoplastics and public health
The publication highlights key findings from CUSP’s research into the health implications associated with micro- and nanoplastic particles and underscores the importance of addressing this emerging public health concern.
Meet our researchers: Dr. Holger Sieg
We sat down with Dr. Holger Sieg, Biochemist and Staff Scientist at the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), to learn more about his role in the POLYRISK project.
How do micro- and nanoplastics impact our immune system?
In April, over 25 scientists, researchers, and POLYRISK project partners met in Oslo to improve collaboration, discuss methodologies for analysing biological samples gathered, and assess the potential impact these plastic particles might have on health.
Early-career researchers share their work on microplastics and health
The POLYRISK project is proud to work with a wide range of talented early-career researchers that are dedicating their scientific work on the impact of micro- and nanoplastics on human health. In November 2023, early-career researchers within the CUSP umbrella...
Examining occupational exposure to micro- and nano-plastics in the textile industry
Are you wearing microplastics? Clothes made from synthetic materials, like nylon and polyester, are responsible for shedding microplastics when worn, washed, and disposed of. To examine the potential health effects related to occupational exposure of workers in the...
Out now! Fifth edition of the CUSP newsletter
Read all about the latest updates, initiatives and achievements across the CUSP research cluster from the past six months. The fifth edition of the CUSP newsletter is now available, highlighting the progress made by the various working groups and projects. POLYRISK...
Meet our researchers: Esther Lenssen
Please tell us a bit more about yourself. As a PhD candidate in the field of Toxicology and Environmental Health at the Utrecht University, I study the health effects of human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics via inhalation. When did you first realise you were...
Meet our researchers: Igor Snapkow
Please tell us a bit more about yourself. I am a researcher and advisor in the Department of Chemical Toxicology, Division of Climate and Environmental Health at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. In the POLYRISK project, I coordinate the Norwegian activities...
Investigating the link between traffic-related air pollution, microplastics, and health
Small rubber particles, forms of micro- and nanoplastics, are released into the air when tyres from cars and trucks wear down. These particles contribute to a complex mix of airborne air pollution, which we are exposed to when cycling or walking next to a busy road....
The WHO Europe Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health: highlighting the benefits of research into microplastics and health for policy action
Countries across Europe committed to take urgent action to stop millions of preventable deaths every year linked to climate change and pollution during the 7th Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health, organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional...
New POLYRISK study examines the health impact of microplastics from artificial sports pitches
Every day, millions of people living in Europe play on indoor and outdoor artificial grass sports pitches that use rubber granules as infill materials. While this soft infill makes the pitches more durable, weather-proof and better to absorb shocks, rubber granules...
Microplastics, explained: radio interview with toxicologists Dr. Emma Kasteel and Annemijne van den Berg
We are exposed to microplastics on a daily basis. To shed light on ongoing research into the micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) in our environment and how they might impact people’s health, toxicologists Annemijne van den Berg (POLYRISK project) and Dr. Emma...
Out now! Fourth edition of the CUSP newsletter
Read all about the latest updates, initiatives and achievements across the CUSP research cluster from the past six months. The fourth edition of the CUSP newsletter is now available, highlighting the progress made by the various working groups and projects. Alba...
CUSP and POLYRISK workshop on human health risk assessment frameworks for mico- and nanoplastics: a summary
Over 145 participants connected online for a special workshop to discuss human health risk assessment frameworks for micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) with guest speakers, researchers and collaborators from the POLYRISK research project and CUSP. Assessing human...
Polyrisk flyer: How micro- and nanoplastics in the environment might impact our health and immune system
We are all exposed to micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) on a daily basis. But while evidence of the existence of microplastics within our bodies exists, we currently do not know how they affect human health. The new Polyrisk flyer launched today illustrates how...