Impacts of microplastics on health (Signal)

Microplastics in the environment

The consumption of plastics has grown rapidly over the past few decades due to their unique characteristics such as durability, corrosion resistance and affordability. Plastics are now used in a wide variety of consumer and industrial applications. However, estimates suggest that in 2019, 22% of plastic waste was mismanaged, burned or leaked into aquatic and terrestrial environments, e.g. through wastewater treatment.

Microplastics, i.e. small plastic pieces less than 5 mm in diameter, can result from a few sources. They include the breakdown of larger plastic debris; unintentional release through the wear and tear of products (e.g. car tyre abrasion or from synthetic textiles); or being intentionally added in the micro-form to products (e.g. microplastic beads in cosmetics). Microplastics are of particular concern in the environment because their small size means they can be transported over long distances. They may carry chemical and biological agents, such as toxic additives, persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals, with associated negative effects on the environment and human health.

Microplastics are considered an ubiquitous pollutant and have been found in indoor and outdoor air, drinking water, foodstuff and in many areas of the globe, including remote locations such as the Antarctic. In both terrestrial and water environments, microplastics can be transferred throughout food chains in different ecosystems.

Health impact(s) of microplastics

Humans are exposed to microplastics by ingesting food and beverages or inhaling airborne microplastics. Once ingested, chemical substances can leach out, including those added to plastics to enhance their properties (e.g. plasticisers) which are known to cause adverse health effects to humans and animals. While those chemical compounds are known to be toxic to humans and animals from (eco)toxicological assessments, there is insufficient evidence about their effects as a result of exposure to microplastics.

The existing knowledge on toxicity is too preliminary to evaluate the environmental risks of microplastics. The main evidence comes from laboratory studies that investigate the toxicity of microplastics (usually in concentrations higher than those found in the environment). Nevertheless, research has linked microplastic exposure to adverse health impacts in humans. The scientific evidence therefore indicates a need for policies to mitigate current and future risks to ecosystems and human health. In September 2023, the European Commission adopted a restriction on microplastics which will prohibit the sale of non-degradable and non-soluble synthetic polymer microparticles and of products that contain them (with a number of derogations, such as use at industrial sites). The first measures, which include the ban on loose glitter and microbeads, entered into force in October 2023.

In its Zero Pollution Action Plan, the European Commission also set a target to reduce the volume of microplastics released into the environment by 30% by 2030, compared to 2016 levels. This target was made with specific reference to emissions into surface waters. It is expected to be achieved through the sound implementation of the 2020 Circular Economy Action Plan.

Ongoing research into the health impacts of microplastics

Microplastic concentrations have been studied in terrestrial and aquatic environments but data remain scarce. In the EU, for example, the 2019 TARA missions and the Ocean Race Europe in 2021 captured microplastic samples from the Baltic Sea, the English Channel and the Mediterranean Sea. The United States National Centres for Environmental Information (NCEI) also collects publicly available microplastic pollution data from various research cruises and field work. While a number of studies have reported levels of microplastics in surface waters and drinking water, few data sets exist based on regularly updated monitoring. Furthermore, there is currently limited understanding regarding what constitutes ‘safe’ levels of microplastics in the environment with respect to human and ecosystem health.

A number of projects that have studied the relationship between hazardous chemicals, including certain microplastics and health impacts, have been undertaken or are being undertaken in the EU:

• PLASTICHEAL, Imptox, PLasticFatE and POLYRISK are ongoing projects set to finish in 2025, which all aim to investigate the impact and consequences of micro- and nanoplastics on different aspects of human health;
• AURORA focuses on the early-life human health impacts from exposure to micro- and nanoplastics.

Remaining challenges and regulatory developments

Apart from data on microplastic concentrations in the environment, there are a number of other important knowledge gaps related to microplastics. The European Commission's project report on plastics highlights a number of key information gaps that need to be addressed, including exposure levels to microplastics and the sources and routes to humans and the environment. The report also emphasises challenges related to the hazard characterisation of microplastics due to their heterogeneity in terms of physico-chemical properties. Inconsistencies also exist in the methods applied by researchers and even a lack of a standardised definition of microplastics that limits the comparability of (eco)toxicity studies, which is an issue that needs to be addressed.

The European Commission has proposed that microplastics should be included in surface and groundwater watch lists under the Environmental Quality Standards Directives (EQSD) and should be monitored as soon as suitable monitoring methods are identified. It was further proposed that a harmonised measurement standard and guidance for microplastics in water should be developed as a basis for reporting by Member States. Such methods have not yet been specified.

In the proposed Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), the issue of the release of microplastics along the product lifecycle is addressed as a parameter to be considered in possible performance requirements.

Relevant objectives under the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability

• Restore human health and environment to a good quality status

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