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Papers
42 resultsShowing papers from Federal Institute for Risk Assessment
ClearTowards a risk assessment framework for micro- and nanoplastic particles for human health
This review proposes a framework for assessing the health risks of micro- and nanoplastics to humans, noting that current methods are inadequate because these particles come in countless types, sizes, and chemical compositions. The authors recommend focusing first on inhalation risks and suggest using existing approaches for evaluating low-toxicity particles and fibers as a starting point for plastic particle safety standards.
Recent Advances in Nano-Enabled Seed Treatment Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture: Challenges, Risk Assessment, and Future Perspectives
Researchers reviewed how nano-sized agrochemicals (chemicals smaller than 100 nanometers) can improve seed germination and reduce the toxic doses needed in farming, while also raising safety concerns for people and ecosystems. The review calls for stronger regulations and risk assessments before these nano-based seed treatments are widely commercialized.
Uptake and effects of orally ingested polystyrene microplastic particles in vitro and in vivo
Researchers studied the uptake and effects of orally ingested polystyrene microplastic particles using human intestinal cell models and rodent experiments. They found that smaller microplastics were taken up by intestinal cells and could cross the gut barrier, though the majority passed through the digestive system. The study suggests that while most ingested microplastics are excreted, a fraction can be absorbed, warranting further investigation into long-term health effects.
Desorption of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Microplastics in Human Gastrointestinal Fluid Simulants─Implications for Exposure Assessment
Scientists used a lab model of the human digestive system to study how cancer-causing chemicals called PAHs are released from microplastics as they pass through the gut. They found that 21-29% of the chemicals absorbed onto microplastics were released during digestion, with the most release happening in the intestines. However, the overall contribution of microplastic-carried PAHs to total dietary intake was very low, suggesting that for most people, microplastics are not a major source of PAH exposure through food.
Complex intestinal and hepatic in vitro barrier models reveal information on uptake and impact of micro-, submicro- and nanoplastics
Using laboratory models of human intestinal and liver barriers, researchers studied how plastic particles of different sizes cross from the gut into the body. Smaller nanoplastics (25 nm) were more readily taken up than larger microplastics, and the intestinal mucus layer provided some protection against particle absorption. The study also found signs of oxidative stress and changes in how liver cells process foreign substances after plastic exposure, providing insight into how ingested microplastics could affect human organs.
Oral toxicity of small microplastic of polyamide assessed by a standardized guideline study
Researchers conducted a standardized 28-day oral toxicity study feeding rats high doses (1,000 mg per kilogram of body weight per day) of tiny polyamide (nylon) microplastics, finding no detectable toxic effects on blood, organs, or tissue in any of the animals. While reassuring at this dose level, the authors note the study used pristine particles and that real-world exposure involves weathered plastics with potentially different properties.
Integrative toxicogenomics: Advancing precision medicine and toxicology through artificial intelligence and OMICs technology
Researchers reviewed how artificial intelligence combined with genomics (the study of genes) and multi-omics data is advancing personalized medicine and toxicology, enabling faster, more accurate predictions of how individuals will respond to drugs or toxic exposures. These tools could eventually help assess risks from environmental contaminants like microplastics based on a person's unique genetic makeup.
Exploring public risk perceptions of microplastics: Findings from a cross‐national qualitative interview study among German and Italian citizens
Researchers conducted interviews with citizens in Germany and Italy to understand how ordinary people think about the risks of microplastics. They found that people often transferred their knowledge about large plastic pollution to microplastics, used concepts like accumulation and dose-response to reason about risks, and saw environmental and human health threats as closely connected. The study suggests that public risk perceptions of microplastics are shaped by intuitive reasoning and personal experiences rather than formal scientific knowledge.
Impact of artificial digestion on the sizes and shapes of microplastic particles
Researchers investigated whether the human digestive process changes the size and shape of common microplastic particles. They found that all five major plastic types tested showed high resistance to artificial digestive juices, meaning the particles pass through the gastrointestinal tract largely unchanged. The study notes that proteins and other organic compounds can adsorb onto plastic particles during digestion, which could complicate accurate measurement of particle characteristics.
Influence of artificial digestion on characteristics and intestinal cellular effects of micro-, submicro- and nanoplastics
Researchers simulated human digestion to study how micro-, submicro-, and nanoplastics change as they pass through the stomach and intestines. They found that the digestive process altered the surface properties and size distribution of the plastic particles, potentially affecting how they interact with intestinal cells. The study suggests that the body's digestive environment may transform plastic particles in ways that influence their biological impact.
Uptake and cellular effects of PE, PP, PET and PVC microplastic particles
Researchers tested intestinal uptake and cytotoxicity of PE, PP, PET, and PVC microplastic particles using human cell lines and found that 1–4 µm polyethylene particles crossed the intestinal epithelium at significantly higher rates than polystyrene, though cytotoxic effects only appeared at concentrations far above realistic dietary exposure.
Relevance of gut microbiome research in food safety assessment
This review examines evidence that food additives and microplastics may disrupt the gut microbiome and, in turn, affect human health. The researchers discuss how these non-nutritive dietary compounds can alter gut bacterial communities through mechanisms that are often overlooked in food safety evaluations. They recommend integrating gut microbiome science into food risk assessment frameworks to better protect human health.
Micro- and nanoplastics – current state of knowledge with the focus on oral uptake and toxicity
This review examines the current state of knowledge on oral exposure to micro- and nanoplastics, covering how particles change during digestion, their uptake at the intestinal barrier, and potential interactions with intestinal and liver cells. The authors note that microplastics have been detected in honey, beer, salt, seafood, mineral water, and even human feces. However, the review concludes that due to lacking data on exposure levels, biodistribution, and health effects, a reliable risk assessment of micro- and nanoplastics is still not possible.
A human Caco-2-based co-culture model of the inflamed intestinal mucosa for particle toxicity studies
Researchers developed an advanced intestinal co-culture model using human Caco-2 cells to better study the toxicity of particles, including micro- and nanoplastics, on inflamed intestinal tissue. The model incorporates immune cells to simulate intestinal inflammation, providing a more physiologically relevant in vitro system for evaluating how plastic particles interact with the gut barrier under both healthy and inflamed conditions.
Beyond microplastics - investigation on health impacts of submicron and nanoplastic particles after oral uptake in vitro
Researchers compared how human intestinal and liver cells take up microplastics versus submicron and nanoplastics and found that smaller plastic particles (under 1 micrometer) pass through gut cells in larger amounts and behave differently depending on their chemical makeup. The findings suggest nanoplastics from contaminated food and beverages may be more bioavailable — meaning more likely to enter the body — than larger microplastic particles.
Microplastics and nanoplastics: Size, surface and dispersant – What causes the effect?
Researchers reviewed how the size, surface properties, and dispersants of micro- and nanoplastic particles influence their toxic effects. They found that smaller particles and certain surface modifications can significantly alter toxicity, and that dispersants used in laboratory studies may introduce confounding effects. The study emphasizes the need for standardized testing protocols that account for these variables to accurately assess plastic particle risks to human health.
Microplastics: State of the evidence on health effects and public perception
This brief overview notes that current scientific evidence does not yet allow definitive conclusions about the health effects of microplastics on humans. The information is intended to help physicians counsel patients on this emerging topic. The study reflects the early state of research in this area, where more data is needed before firm health guidance can be established.
Is the public really concerned about microplastics? The importance of measuring everyday relevance and behavioral intentions as well as stated concern
Researchers surveyed over 2,200 citizens in Germany and Italy to examine whether public concern about microplastics translates into everyday relevance and behavioral change. While stated concern was high in both countries, most people reported thinking or talking about microplastics only rarely, though they still expressed willingness to take action to reduce exposure. The study found that both stated concern and everyday relevance mediated the link between knowledge about microplastics and intentions to change behavior.
A comparative investigation of the sorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to various polydisperse micro- and nanoplastics using a novel third-phase partition method
Researchers developed a novel third-phase partition method to measure sorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons onto various micro- and nanoplastics, finding that particle size, polymer type, and surface area significantly influence pollutant adsorption capacity.
Oral exposure to micro- and nanoplastics: Developing a modular and flexible risk assessment framework for human health
Researchers proposed a modular and flexible risk assessment framework for evaluating the human health risks of oral exposure to micro- and nanoplastics. The framework integrates modern concepts such as Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment and Adverse Outcome Pathways, providing a systematic method for addressing the complexity and diversity of these materials.
Macrophages bend long fibres with flexural rigidity lower than 3 mN·nm2 to avoid frustrated phagocytosis
Researchers observed and modeled macrophages internalizing long fibers by bending them into arcs and spirals, determining that fibers with flexural rigidity below approximately 3 mN·nm² can be fully phagocytized, establishing rigidity as a critical parameter for predicting fiber-cell interactions and material safety.
Analytical and toxicological aspects of nanomaterials in different product groups: Challenges and opportunities
This review examined the analytical and toxicological challenges of engineered nanomaterials across consumer and industrial product groups, discussing release pathways, detection difficulties, and safety considerations including dose-metrics for assessing consumer risk.