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Plastic Health Summit presents the first scientific evidence on the presence of micro and nanoplastics in the bloodstream
12 October 2021
October 21 conference in Amsterdam on the impact of plastics on health with speakers from all around the world.
The Netherlands is globally leading the way in research into the possible health effects of the minuscule plastic particles and fibers to which we are exposed every day. The Plastic Health Summit in Amsterdam is the place where all that Dutch and international research comes together. Since the first edition in 2019, there is now new evidence of the effects on our health of plastic and its additives.
Already demonstrated is the presence of plastic in human lungs and feces. In fact, there is much more plastic in the stool of babies than in that of adults. What is new is that this summit will enable us to answer for the first time the question of whether plastic particles also find their way into the bloodstream and then possibly into the organs, and subsequently into the placenta of the unborn child.
Dr. Heather Leslie of the VU in Amsterdam will present the first results of her research group, which has been researching the ability of micro and nanoplastics to reach the bloodstream of mammals. Leslie calls the discovery of plastic particles in the blood of cows and pigs ‘unique’.
Subsequently, researcher Hanna Dusza of Utrecht University will elaborate on her research into plastic particles in the placenta. Dusza: ‘Both nanoplastics and microplastics are taken up by placental cells. We suspect that they can disrupt important placental functions’.
The summit will also present groundbreaking research on the impact of endocrine disruptors in plastics on fertility from generation to generation and on the impact on our food safety of the uptake of plastic particles from the soil by crops.
Knowing that we ingest a lifetime of plastic, Professor Susan Shaw asks to what extent we can protect the health of future generations.
Ecocide & activism
The theme of this edition of the Plastic Health Summit is One Health. In addition to scientists, we also offer a stage to speakers from other disciplines. Human health and environmental health are inextricably linked. Therefore, we look beyond the biological and toxicological effects of plastic on human health. Policy, legislation, activism, and jurisdiction around this topic will also be highlighted at the summit.
We are very honored by the participation of Jojo Mehta, co-founder of Stop Ecocide International. This organization advocates prosecution by the International Criminal Court in The Hague of those responsible for environmental crimes.
The same goes for the arrival of Hugo Schally, from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Environment; Texan activist Diane Wilson; Greenland shaman Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq; and many others.
Young heroes
If anyone has opened our eyes and shown us that we must stop talking and take action, it is Greta Thunberg. A remarkable number of her peers are also stirring in the fight against plastic pollution. We invited some of these inspiring young people, including those from Indonesia, Malawi, and the Bahamas.
Have a look at the program here.
Theater Amsterdam
The venue is Theater Amsterdam. With the current corona measures, there is room for 350 visitors. In addition, the summit can be followed digitally.
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