PlasticHeal

EU funded project PLASTICHEAL aims at developing innovative tools to study the impact and mode of action of micro and nanoplastics on human health.

PlasticHeal, together with AURORA, IMPTOX, PlasticsFatE and POLYRISK, is one of the five European main research projects currently working to understand micro- and nanoplastics (MNPLs) in our environment and their exposures and impacts on health. The five projects have formed the European Research Cluster to Understand the Health Impacts of Micro- and Nanoplastic (CUSP).

Main objectives:

To provide legislators with data, methodologies, experimental models and biological endpoints of effect for risk assessment and decision-making, by filling current knowledge gaps in terms of MNPLs hazard to human health. Furthermore, to perform a pilot exposure and risk assessment for a selected number of MNPLs highly present in the environment.

To develop new more comprehensive methodologies, experimental models and biological endpoints of effect able to provide a more solid understanding of the complex interplay between MNPLs modes of action and adverse outcome pathways in humans. This is aimed at supporting regulatory decision-making and have a potential to take on a more prominent role in future frameworks.

Work plan

UFZ: Leader of WP1 External Human Exposure, Participants of WP2 / WP3 / WP7 / WP8 / WP9

WP1 objectives:

Reference materials for MNPLs safety assessment.

Analytical methods for detection, identification and quantification of MNPLs.

MNPLs occurrence. Determination and monitoring.

Partners

Contact person:

Dr. Guyu Peng