Dealing with Microplastics pollution in the Netherlands : human health risk assessment and policy making approaches

Microplastics (MPs), the so-called plastic particles under 5mm in size, are recent ubiquitous pollution in the environment. Recently, concerns about implications in human health regarding these particles have arisen interest in the scientific community and governments. Scientific literature in recent years presents evidence that MPs can be a potential threat to human health. This research aims to analyse the situation of Microplastics in the Netherlands by conducting a Health Risk Assessment in combination with the analysis of measures implemented, which helps to assess MPs in the country adequately. The research methodology contemplated in-depth desk research with scientific literature, reports from ministry, NGO´s, and in-depth interviews with experts in the topic. Moreover, the combination of both research methods led to recommendations to all stakeholders involved in Microplastics pollution. Findings showed that there is a significant lack of data regarding MPs testing methods, exposure, and concentration rates in humans. Experts said that this lack of information made it impossible to assess a MPs risk assessment fully. In the Netherlands, since 2014, measures to address MPs pollution were implemented and improved over time. Finally, this research concludes that MPs pollution is a complex issue in which actions should involve human health and its environmental consequences, which also concerns all countries involving producers, policy makers, product designers and consumers. Key words: Microplastics, pollution, exposure, particles, Risk Assessment, stakeholders.