Risks of microplastic and nanoplastic particles (POLYRISK)
Project
|Updated
Understanding human exposure and health hazard of micro- and nanoplastic contaminants in our environment
Summary
Understanding human exposure and health hazard of micro- and nanoplastic contaminants in our environment
From childhood to old age, we all come in contact with plastic products on a daily basis, in the living environment and food chain. Our plastic products are a source of plastic fragments, tiny particles generally invisible to the naked eye. How many of these plastic particles are actually being absorbed into our bodies via inhalation and ingestion? Could tiny micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNP) inside our bodies be having a negative impact on human health?
The EU-funded POLYRISK project explores these questions by examining human exposure to MNP and their potential toxic effects. POLYRISK considers occupational and consumer exposure and puts a special emphasis on potential adverse effects of MNP on the immune system.
The interdisciplinary team of POLYRISK scientists are using advanced methods to chemically detect and quantify these plastic particles, understand key mechanisms of MNP toxicity in vitro, and to find biomarkers for toxicity using blood and saliva tests. These are important elements of POLYRISK’s human risk assessment strategy for MNP.
The outcomes of the projects will be communicated early on with the aim to feed them into current and future EU policies, and support actions envisaged under the European Green Deal in relation to plastic pollution – helping to ensure that human health is protected, today and in the future.
Project leader
Hubert Dirven, Avdeling for miljø og helse, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Project participants
Berit Brunstad Granum, Avdeling for miljø og helse, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Anette Kocbach Bølling, Avdeling for miljø og helse, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Monica Andreassen, Avdeling for miljø og helse, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Birgitte Lindeman, Avdeling for miljø og helse, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Unni Cecilie Nygaard, Development and Analytics, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Hege Hjertholm, Avdeling for miljø og helse, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Start
04.01.2021
End
31.12.2025
Status
Active
Project owner/ Project manager
Norwegian Institute of Public Health