Knowledge gaps
Plastic has been found in human poop, but not only. Plastic particles can enter our blood, and pass through our skin. But more research is still needed.
Research on the human body
In recent decades, plastic has been considered by almost everyone as an inert, innocent material that does not react with its environment and can do no harm whatsoever. It was almost inconceivable that widespread use of plastic would bring health risks. However, the idea that plastic poses no threat is quickly changing. The signals that plastic is harming our health are now gathering strength. But what effect does plastic have in the human body? How dangerous is it exactly? What are the long-term consequences for our health of chemical additives? The first studies aiming to answer these pressing questions began in 2019.
The Plastic Health Coalition
The Plastic Soup Foundation took the initiative in 2018 to found The Plastic Health Coalition. This collaboration involves a number of national and international environmental and scientific research organizations that deal with the effects of (micro)plastic on our health. The aim of the platform is to stimulate scientific research and to collect and disseminate knowledge. Another important aim is to identify what we can do to prevent plastic from entering our body and what possibilities there are.
Fifteen studies by ZonMw
ZonMw is a Dutch organization for health research. Thanks to funding from the Dutch Research Council (NWO), the Gieskes-Strijbis Fund and the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, fifteen research projects were started in early 2019 into the effects of micro- and nanoplastics on our health. These investigations will run for one year, and they all focus on a few important questions:
- Where and how can plastic particles penetrate the body?
- What role do size, shape, and composition play?
- Can our immune systems deal with plastic or are we more likely to suffer inflammation and infections?
- Do (pathogenic) microorganisms that attach to plastics have an effect, and where could these health effects occur in the body?
The Plastic Health Coalition will regularly report on its website on projects and research results worldwide.
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Pathogens
Plastic has the ability to carry around pathogens and diseases. It also provides the perfect ground for bacteria and viruses to develop.
Effects on health
We are constantly exposed to plastic, its chemicals and endocrine-disruptors such as BPA, but what are the consequences on our health?
Exposure to plastic
Plastic is everywhere in our food, in our drinking water, and the air we breathe. But what are the health consequences of this exposure?
