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Communicating confidence in the reliability of micro- and nanoplastic identification in human health studies
Summary
Researchers propose a framework for improving the reliability of micro- and nanoplastic identification in human health studies by integrating multiple analytical techniques. The study emphasizes the need for transparent reporting of methodological limitations and introduces confidence levels for particle identification, addressing the major challenge of contamination risk and the diverse properties of plastic particles in biological samples.
Accurately quantifying and characterizing human internal exposure to micro- and nanoplastics is critical for assessing potential health risks. However, detecting these particles in human tissues, fluids, cell systems, and relevant models remains a major analytical challenge. There is an urgent need for robust, selective, sensitive, and high-throughput methods capable of generating reliable quantitative data. Equally essential is the transparent reporting of methodological limitations and uncertainties, supported by rigorous data collection and standardized practices. These challenges are compounded by the ubiquity of plastic particles, and therefore the risk of sample contamination, and their diverse properties (e.g., size, shape, composition), all adding to the complexity of identifying and quantifying them in biological matrices. To address these issues, we propose a framework that integrates orthogonal analytical techniques to enhance data reliability. Commonly used analytical techniques for the analysis of micro and nanoplastics are assigned a category based on their specificity when identifying plastic particles. The framework proposes minimum data requirements from orthogonal techniques for the identification of plastic particles at various confidence levels. Clear communication of analytical confidence is vital, and we present a structured approach to support this. We emphasize the importance of scientific integrity, rigorous study design, and transparent reporting in human health research. Finally, we call for the universal adoption of harmonized confidence criteria for reporting the presence of plastics in humans, an essential step toward informed decision-making.
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