PLASTICHEAL · Innovative tools to study the impact and mode of action of micro and nanoplastics on human health: towards a knowledge base for risk assessment

The exponential increase in the production/use of plastic translates into a parallel increase of environmental plastic-waste that is continuously degraded into micro and nanoplastics (MNPLs). Information on the MNPLs effects on human health is still preliminary and, furthermore, the limitations in current methodologies prevent accurate human exposure/risk assessment. In this context, PLASTICHEAL aims at providing new methodologies and solid scientific evidence to regulators by combining the use of breakthrough research and validated test methods to set the knowledge basis for adequate risk assessment of MNPLs. PLASTICHEAL will be supported by an innovative experimental approach that will first generate human exposure estimates after identification, measurement, and characterization of MNPLs present in the environmental air, water and food sources, as well as in human biological samples of population groups with potential high MNPLs exposure levels (biomonitoring study) by means of adapting the existing analytical methodology proven useful for fibres and nanomaterials. Those estimates will then be complemented/ correlated with the output of kinetic models using data on MNPLs translocation, accumulation and destabilization of the Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Tracts, and with the MNPLs toxicokinetic in blood and secondary organs using in vivo models. Thereafter, immune effects, transforming effects, genotoxic effects, impact on transcriptome/epigenome/secretome (i.e. omics), stemness imbalance and potential molecular mechanisms of action and adverse outcome pathways in blood, primary and secondary organs will be studied under in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo short and long-term (co)exposure settings. To ensure the impact of PLASTICHEAL’s developed methodology and gained knowledge on current and future regulation, a continuous dialogue will be established from the beginning of the project with policy makers and other key stakeholders of the plastic value chain.PLASTICHEAL is part of the European MNP cluster on human health (Name and acronym to be decided).