News
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...
CUSP workshop on human health risk assessment frameworks for micro- and nanoplastics
Assessing human health effects of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) is challenging for several reasons. MNPs are complex mixtures. MNPs may have different geometries, shapes and sizes. They can be made from different polymer types and contain various additives and...
News from the Polyrisk research project (January 2023)
Welcome to the January 2023 news blast from the POLYRISK, an EU-funded research project that aims to better understand how micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) impact our health and immune system. The first study from POLYRISK, published December 2022, assesses the uptake...
Job opening: Scientific officer for the assessment of health effects of micro- und nanoplastics (f/m/x)
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has published a job opening: in the department Chemical and Product Safety of the BfR is in the unit “Fibre and Nanotoxicology” the following two year position is immediately available: Scientific officer for the assessment of health effects of micro- and nanoplastics (f/m/x).
FAO review raises awareness about MNP pollution and potential public health concerns
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations publishes a review on human exposure to micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) via dietary sources; finds that lack of sufficient data and standardized analytical methods preventing conclusive answers on potential health impacts.
Out now! Third edition of the CUSP newsletter
Read all about the latest updates, initiatives and achievements across the CUSP research cluster from the past six months.
POLYRISK 2022 General Assembly: Exploring the risks of micro- and nanoplastics through human exposure studies
Scientists, researchers and other project partners gathered at the recent POLYRISK General Assembly, held in Berlin from 1-3 November 2022, to continue exploring together the risks of micro- and nanoplastics through human exposure studies.
Utrecht University recruiting volunteers for research about health risks of microplastics exposure via air
The plastic production has been rising for years now. Plastic can break down into smaller particles, called microplastics, so small, they can be inhaled. Researchers don’t know yet what the health risks of exposure to microplastics are. The potential effects will hence be studied by performing health measurements before and after exposure at three locations with varying traffic loads in Utrecht.
CUSP releases its second newsletter
Second edition of the CUSP newsletter recaps all that has happened during the last six months; take a look to find out about upcoming events and exciting initiatives.