Research library
The studies behind the headlines, read from the papers themselves. Each entry says what the researchers found, what kind of study it was, how big it was, what it can't tell you, and who paid for it.
Studies in peopleAnimal studiesCell or tissue studiesMeasurements, sampling, models and reviews
The Lancet Countdown on health and plastics
Landrigan PJ et al., The Lancet, 2025
Launches an indicator-based global monitoring system for plastics and health. It states that plastics cause disease and death from infancy to old age, with health-related economic losses exceeding US$1.5 trillion a year, and that production grew from 2 Mt in 1950 to 475 Mt in 2022, projected to reach 1,200 Mt by 2060.
Two Department of Error notices (September and October 2025) are linked to the paper; we have not read what they correct.
Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains
Nihart AJ et al., Nature Medicine, 2025
Pyrolysis-GC/MS reported plastic, mostly polyethylene, in liver, kidney and brain. Median brain concentrations were 3,345 µg/g (2016) and 4,917 µg/g (2024), far above liver (433) and kidney (404) in 2024; concentrations rose between 2016 and 2024. Brains from 12 people with dementia had even higher levels.
Author correction (31 March 2025) fixed duplicated supplementary images and incorrect scale bars; authors say spectra data were unaffected. Monikh et al. (Nature Medicine, Nov 2025) argued limited contamination controls and lack of validation may affect the reported concentrations; the authors replied acknowledging uncertainties, including possible lipid interference.
Microplastics and nanoplastics in atheromas and cardiovascular events
Marfella R et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2024
Polyethylene was detected in carotid artery plaque from 150 of 257 patients (58.4%) having surgery, and PVC in 31 (12.1%). Over about 34 months, patients with plastic in their plaque had a higher risk of heart attack, stroke or death from any cause (hazard ratio 4.53; 95% CI 2.00–10.27).
Pyrolysis-GC/MS measurement of polyethylene and PVC in fatty biological tissue has been challenged (Rauert et al. 2025; Monikh et al. 2025), which applies to plaque as well. NEJM published reader correspondence on the study (May 2024, doi 10.1056/NEJMc2404154).
Rapid single-particle chemical imaging of nanoplastics by SRS microscopy
Qian N et al., Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2024
Using a new stimulated Raman scattering imaging method that can identify single plastic particles under 100 nm, the team estimated about 2.4 ± 1.3 × 10^5 plastic particles per litre of bottled water, about 90% of them nanoplastics. That is orders of magnitude more than earlier counts that could only see microplastics. Polyamide was a common major contributor across the three brands.
Materić (PNAS 2024, doi 10.1073/pnas.2411099121) argued the blanks were inappropriate because the paper's own SI says the lab's ultrapure water had similar plastic contamination to the bottled water. The authors replied (doi 10.1073/pnas.2415874121) that contaminated lab water would have been the wrong blank and that brand profiles differed.
Assessing the release of microplastics and nanoplastics from plastic containers and reusable food pouches: implications for human health
Hussain KA et al., Environmental Science & Technology, 2023
Microwaving released the most particles: some containers shed up to 4.22 million microplastics and 2.11 billion nanoplastics per square centimetre in 3 minutes. Six months in the fridge or at room temperature also released millions to billions. Modelled intake peaked at 20.3 ng/kg per day for infants drinking microwaved water and 22.1 for toddlers eating microwaved dairy. At 1,000 µg/mL, extracted particles killed about 77% of human kidney cells in a dish.
The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health
Landrigan PJ et al., Annals of Global Health, 2023
A large commission review of plastics' harms across their life cycle, from extraction and production to disposal, covering human health, the ocean, economic costs and vulnerable groups, with recommendations for a global plastics treaty.
Correction (Annals of Global Health, 2023, doi 10.5334/aogh.4331): its figure of 90,762 DEHP-attributable US deaths a year among 55–64-year-olds, and the linked US$490 billion cost, was the sum of two years (2013 and 2014), not one year.
Discovery and quantification of plastic particle pollution in human blood
Leslie HA et al., Environment International, 2022
The first study to measure plastic particles (700 nm and larger) in human whole blood by pyrolysis-GC/MS. Plastic was quantifiable in 17 of 22 donors (77%), with a mean of 1.6 µg/ml; PET, polyethylene and styrene polymers were most common, and polypropylene was below the limit of quantification.
Rauert et al. 2025 (Environmental Science & Technology) concluded Py-GC/MS is currently unsuitable for polyethylene and PVC in biological matrices because of interferences, which bears on blood-plastic mass figures generally. A letter to the editor (Kuhlman, Environment International 2022, doi 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107400) also commented on the paper; we have not read it.
Dietary and inhalation exposure to nano- and microplastic particles and potential implications for human health
World Health Organization et al., WHO report (ISBN 9789240054608), 2022
WHO reviewed studies up to December 2021 on micro- and nanoplastics in food, drinking water and air. It found the available data were of only very limited use for assessing risk, because toxicity studies used doses and particle types that do not match real exposure, so no quantitative risk assessment was possible.
Plasticenta: First evidence of microplastics in human placenta
Ragusa A et al., Environment International, 2021
Raman microspectroscopy found 12 pigmented microplastic fragments (5–10 µm) in 4 of 6 placentas, on the maternal side, fetal side and membranes. Three were identified as polypropylene; for the other nine only the pigment could be identified.
Microplastic release from the degradation of polypropylene feeding bottles during infant formula preparation
Li D et al., Nature Food, 2020
Polypropylene baby bottles released up to 16.2 million microplastic particles per litre during formula preparation. Sterilising and using hot water significantly increased release. Modelled exposure for infants up to 12 months ranged from 14,600 to 4,550,000 particles per day depending on region.
Human consumption of microplastics
Cox KD et al., Environmental Science & Technology, 2019
Combining published measurements with the American diet, the authors estimate 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles eaten per year depending on age and sex, rising to 74,000 to 121,000 when inhalation is added. Meeting water needs only from bottled water could add about 90,000 particles a year, versus about 4,000 for tap water only.
A correction was published (Environmental Science & Technology 2020, doi 10.1021/acs.est.0c04032). We have not been able to read what it changes, so check it before quoting these figures.
Are we speaking the same language? Recommendations for a definition and categorization framework for plastic debris
Hartmann NB et al., Environmental Science & Technology, 2019
Researchers used inconsistent size classes and definitions for microplastics. This paper proposes a common framework: plastic debris is defined by polymer composition, solid state and insolubility, then categorised by size, shape, colour and origin, to make studies comparable.
Plastic teabags release billions of microparticles and nanoparticles into tea
Hernandez LM et al., Environmental Science & Technology, 2019
Steeping one plastic teabag at 95 °C released about 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics into a cup, matched to the bag's nylon and PET by FTIR and XPS. The authors say this is several orders of magnitude above plastic loads reported in other foods. Water fleas exposed to the released particles showed dose-dependent behavioural and developmental effects.
Busse et al. (Environmental Science & Technology 2020, doi 10.1021/acs.est.0c03182) published a comment questioning the particle counts; as summarised by Cella et al. 2022 (EU JRC), they concluded the material was partly soluble oligomers. The authors replied (doi 10.1021/acs.est.0c06422) that Busse et al. also found plastic teabags release particles but used different methods, so the numbers cannot be compared. We have not read the comment itself.
Microplastics in freshwaters and drinking water: critical review and assessment of data quality
Koelmans AA et al., Water Research, 2019
Scoring 50 studies of microplastics in freshwater and drinking water against quality criteria, the authors found only 4 met all of them. Reported concentrations spanned ten orders of magnitude (0.01 to 10^8 particles per cubic metre). Polyethylene and polypropylene were most common, then polystyrene, PVC and PET. They propose best practice for sampling, blanks and identification.
Detection of various microplastics in human stool: a prospective case series
Schwabl P et al., Annals of Internal Medicine, 2019
All 8 stool samples from volunteers in Europe and Asia contained microplastics, a median of 20 particles (50–500 µm) per 10 g of stool. Nine plastic types were found; polypropylene and PET were most abundant.
Microplastics in drinking-water
World Health Organization et al., WHO report (ISBN 9789241516198), 2019
WHO's first review concluded there was no reliable information suggesting an overt health concern from microplastics in drinking water at current levels, while stressing this does not mean they are harmless. Particles over 150 µm are likely excreted, and uptake of smaller ones is expected to be limited (around 0.3% or less).
Superseded in scope by WHO's 2022 report on dietary and inhalation exposure, which reached a similar 'insufficient data' conclusion.
Synthetic polymer contamination in bottled water
Mason SA et al., Frontiers in Chemistry, 2018
93% of 259 bottles showed some microplastic contamination. After blank correction there were on average 10.4 particles per litre larger than 100 µm, and about 325 per litre when Nile Red-stained particles down to 6.5 µm were counted. Polypropylene, the usual cap plastic, made up 54% of confirmed polymers, pointing partly at packaging and bottling.
A first overview of textile fibers, including microplastics, in indoor and outdoor environments
Dris R et al., Environmental Pollution, 2017
The first study of fibres in indoor and outdoor air found 1.0–60.0 fibres per cubic metre indoors versus 0.3–1.5 outdoors. Fibres settled indoors at 1,586–11,130 per square metre per day, building up to 190–670 fibres per mg of vacuum dust. 67% were natural (mostly cellulose) and 33% contained petrochemicals, mainly polypropylene.
Plastic and human health: a micro issue?
Wright SL et al., Environmental Science & Technology, 2017
An early, widely cited review of how microplastics might harm people: through particle toxicity and immune responses if inhaled or ingested, leaching of additives and monomers, and microbes carried on particles. It concluded health effects were unknown and exposure data were the key gap.
Release of synthetic microplastic plastic fibres from domestic washing machines: effects of fabric type and washing conditions
Napper IE et al., Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2016
Polyester-cotton blend shed significantly fewer fibres than polyester or acrylic, with effects of temperature, detergent and conditioner interacting in complex ways. The authors estimate an average 6 kg wash of acrylic could release over 700,000 fibres.
Association of urinary bisphenol A concentration with medical disorders and laboratory abnormalities in adults
Lang IA et al., JAMA, 2008
An early large human study of BPA and adult disease: higher urinary BPA was associated with cardiovascular diagnoses (odds ratio 1.39 per standard deviation) and diabetes (odds ratio 1.39), plus abnormal liver enzymes.
JAMA ran an accompanying editorial (vom Saal and Myers, 2008) and three letters in 2009 commenting on the analysis (e.g., Young and Yu, doi 10.1001/jama.2009.122), with an author reply. We have not read them.
Decrease in anogenital distance among male infants with prenatal phthalate exposure
Swan SH et al., Environmental Health Perspectives, 2005
Boys whose mothers had higher levels of four phthalate metabolites in pregnancy had a shorter anogenital index (anogenital distance relative to weight), a marker of reduced male hormone action before birth seen in phthalate-exposed rodents. For the top versus bottom quarter of MBP, the odds of a shorter-than-expected index were 10.2 times higher (95% CI 2.5–42.2).
An erratum was published (EHP, September 2005; content not checked). Employees of cosmetics trade associations (McEwen and Renner, EHP 2006) questioned the validity of the measure; Swan replied.
Microplastic contaminations in a set of beverages sold in France
Chaïb I et al., Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 2025
Mean levels were 2.9 microplastics per litre in water, 31.4 in colas, 28.5 in teas, 45.2 in lemonades, 82.9 in beers and 8.2 in wines. Drinks in glass bottles were the most contaminated. Most particles matched the colour and outer paint of the metal caps, which the authors suspect are the main source.
Microplastics in the bloodstream can induce cerebral thrombosis by causing cell obstruction and lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities
Huang H et al., Science Advances, 2025
Live brain imaging in mice showed that 5 µm fluorescent polystyrene microspheres, given by gavage or injected into the blood, were engulfed by immune cells that then lodged in brain capillaries, forming blockages that reduced blood flow and were linked to movement and behaviour changes.
Microplastics: state of the evidence on health effects and public perception
Janzik R et al., Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 2025
A review by scientists at Germany's Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) for doctors. Most ingested or inhaled microplastic is excreted; about 0.3% of 1–10 µm particles are absorbed in the gut. Particles have been found in organs such as placenta and plaque, but no causal link to health effects has been proven. In their survey, 84% believed microplastics can worsen existing illness.
A 2026 letter to the editor (Saha et al., doi 10.3238/arztebl.m2025.0244) argued the review is incomplete: it leaves out plastics' chemical and environmental harms and conveys apparent safety. The authors replied (doi 10.3238/arztebl.m2025.0245).
Challenges in studying microplastics in human brain
A Monikh F et al., Nature Medicine (Matters Arising), 2025
A published critique of Nihart et al. 2025 (the brain-plastic study). The authors argue that the study appears to face methodological challenges, such as limited contamination controls and lack of validation steps, which may affect the reliability of the reported brain concentrations.
Assessing the efficacy of pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for nanoplastic and microplastic analysis in human blood
Rauert C et al., Environmental Science & Technology, 2025
Tested whether pyrolysis-GC/MS can reliably measure plastic in human blood. Blood produced false polyethylene and PVC signals; a new extraction reduced but did not remove the polyethylene interference, realistic detection limits were up to 20 times higher than in clean water, and in the pilot no other polymer exceeded detection limits. The authors conclude the method is currently not suitable for PE and PVC in biological samples.
Microplastics in the olfactory bulb of the human brain
Amato-Lourenço LF et al., JAMA Network Open, 2024
Micro-FTIR found 16 synthetic polymer particles and fibres in the olfactory bulbs (the brain's smell centre, just above the nose) of 8 of 15 deceased adults. Polypropylene was most common (43.8%); particles measured 5.5–26.4 µm. The authors suggest the nose could be a route into the brain.
Quantitation and identification of microplastics accumulation in human placental specimens using pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry
Garcia MA et al., Toxicological Sciences, 2024
Pyrolysis-GC/MS reported microplastics in all 62 placentas, from 6.5 to 685 µg per gram of tissue (mean 126.8 µg/g). Polyethylene made up 54% of the plastic mass; PVC and nylon about 10% each.
Microplastic presence in dog and human testis and its potential association with sperm count and weights of testis and epididymis
Hu CJ et al., Toxicological Sciences, 2024
Pyrolysis-GC/MS found microplastics in all 23 human and 47 dog testes, with mean totals of 328.44 µg/g in humans and 122.63 µg/g in dogs; polyethylene dominated. In dogs, PVC and PET were negatively correlated with testis weight, and polycarbonate and ABS with lower sperm count.
From e-waste to living space: flame retardants contaminating household items add to concern about plastic recycling
Liu M et al., Chemosphere, 2024
Of 203 black plastic household products screened, those with more than 50 ppm bromine were analysed, and flame retardants were found in 85% of them at up to 22,800 mg/kg, including the restricted deca-BDE. Styrene-based plastics typical of electronics had much higher levels. The original abstract estimated median BDE-209 intake of 34,700 ng/day from contaminated utensils; a correction lowered this to 7,900 ng/day.
Two corrigenda: Chemosphere 2025 (vol. 370; doi 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143903) fixed the reference dose for a 60 kg adult from 42,000 to 420,000 ng/day, so intake is an order of magnitude below it, not 'approaching' it; Chemosphere 2025 (doi 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144552) corrected a misapplied formula, lowering 34,700 to 7,900 ng/day. Authors say core conclusions stand.
Detection of microplastics in human breast milk and its association with changes in human milk bacterial microbiota
Saraluck A et al., Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2024
Raman spectroscopy found microplastics in 23 of 59 breast milk samples (38.98%), mainly polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene and PVC. Milk with detectable plastic had a different bacterial makeup (more Staphylococcus and Streptococcus).
Chemicals used in plastic materials: an estimate of the attributable disease burden and costs in the United States
Trasande L et al., Journal of the Endocrine Society, 2024
Estimated US$249 billion (range $226–289 billion) in US disease costs in 2018 from chemicals used in plastics: PBDE flame retardants, phthalates, bisphenols and PFAS. Most came from PBDEs; phthalates accounted for $66.7 billion and PFAS $22.4 billion. The authors estimated that plastics account for 97.5% of BPA exposure and 98% of DEHP exposure.
A correction (February 2024) added missing repository details for the supplementary material (reference 11); the estimates were not changed.
Drinking boiled tap water reduces human intake of nanoplastics and microplastics
Yu Z et al., Environmental Science & Technology Letters, 2024
Boiling tap water made polystyrene, polyethylene and polypropylene particles co-precipitate with calcium carbonate scale. In hard water (over 120 mg/L CaCO3), boiling removed at least 80% of particles between 0.1 and 150 µm. The authors suggest boiling, then removing the scale, as a simple household step.
A dataset of organic pollutants identified and quantified in recycled polyethylene pellets
Carmona E et al., Data in Brief, 2023
Chemical screening of 28 recycled polyethylene pellet samples, mostly from the Global South, detected and quantified 491 organic compounds and tentatively identified 170 more, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals and plastic additives. The processing aid N-ethyl-o-toluenesulfonamide was common at high concentrations.
Detection of various microplastics in placentas, meconium, infant feces, breastmilk and infant formula: a pilot prospective study
Liu S et al., Science of the Total Environment, 2023
Laser infrared imaging found 16 types of microplastics across placentas, meconium (a newborn's first stool), infant stool at 6 months, breast milk and formula; polyamide and polyurethane dominated and over 74% were 20–50 µm. Questionnaires pointed to water, scrubs/toothpaste, feeding bottles and plastic toys as possible sources.
Raman microspectroscopy evidence of microplastics in human semen
Montano L et al., Science of the Total Environment, 2023
Raman microspectroscopy found 16 pigmented microplastic fragments (2–6 µm) in 6 of 10 semen samples. Polymers included polypropylene, polyethylene, PET, polystyrene, PVC, polycarbonate, POM and acrylic.
Estimating mouthing exposure to chemicals in children's products
Aurisano N et al., Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 2022
The authors built a model to predict how chemicals migrate from children's products into saliva during mouthing. Predictions matched lab data well (R² = 0.85). Migration ranged from 8 × 10^-7 to 32.7 µg per 10 cm² per minute, highest for plasticisers in PVC, and mouthing doses ranged from a median of 0.005 to 253 µg/kg body weight per day across chemicals and materials.
Microplastics detected in cirrhotic liver tissue
Horvatits T et al., eBioMedicine, 2022
Using Nile red staining and Raman spectroscopy, microplastics of 4–30 µm (six polymer types) were found in liver tissue from all six people with cirrhosis, while liver, kidney and spleen from people without liver disease tested negative.
Detection of microplastics in human lung tissue using μFTIR spectroscopy
Jenner LC et al., Science of the Total Environment, 2022
39 microplastics were found in 11 of 13 lung samples from living surgical patients: 1.42 per gram of tissue, or 0.69 per gram after subtracting background contamination. Polypropylene (23%) and PET (18%) were most common, and levels were highest in the lower lung.
Raman imaging for the identification of Teflon microplastics and nanoplastics released from non-stick cookware
Luo Y et al., Science of the Total Environment, 2022
The team developed Raman imaging algorithms to pick out weak PTFE (Teflon) signals on scratched non-stick surfaces. Combined with electron microscopy, they estimate that thousands to millions of Teflon micro- and nanoplastics might be released during a simulated cooking process.
First evidence of microplastics in human urine, a preliminary study of intake in the human body
Pironti C et al., Toxics, 2022
Raman microspectroscopy found four pigmented microplastic fragments (4–15 µm) in urine from four of six volunteers, identified as polyethylene vinyl acetate, PVC, polypropylene and polyethylene.
Raman microspectroscopy detection and characterisation of microplastics in human breastmilk
Ragusa A et al., Polymers, 2022
Microplastics were found in 26 of 34 breast milk samples by Raman microspectroscopy, mostly polyethylene, PVC and polypropylene, sized 2–12 µm. No relationship was found with the mothers' diet, seafood or use of personal care products.
Steam disinfection releases micro(nano)plastics from silicone-rubber baby teats as examined by optical photothermal infrared microspectroscopy
Su Y et al., Nature Nanotechnology, 2022
Steam disinfection etched silicone teat surfaces and released flake- and oil-film-shaped particles of 0.6–332 µm, including polysiloxanes and imide-containing particles from the silicone and a polyamide resin additive. The authors estimate a baby could ingest more than 0.66 million such particles by age one, and global release from teat disinfection could reach 5.2 × 10^13 particles a year.
Author correction (Nature Nanotechnology, published 31 May 2022): 'polyimides' in the abstract and text should read 'imides'.
Phthalates and attributable mortality: a population-based longitudinal cohort study and cost analysis
Trasande L et al., Environmental Pollution, 2022
Higher urinary levels of high-molecular-weight phthalates, especially DEHP metabolites, were linked to higher all-cause death (hazard ratio 1.14 for continuous levels; 1.48 in the top third) and to cardiovascular death. The authors extrapolated 90,761–107,283 attributable deaths among 55–64-year-old Americans and US$39.9–47.1 billion in lost productivity.
The Minderoo-Monaco Commission's 2023 correction says that, on re-examination, this paper's death figure (which the Commission had cited as annual) appears to be based on 2013 and 2014 US population data combined, so it covers two years. The abstract states no period for the death figure itself; its objectives refer to attributable mortality in 2013-4.
Common single-use consumer plastic products release trillions of sub-100 nm nanoparticles per liter into water during normal use
Zangmeister CD et al., Environmental Science & Technology, 2022
Food-grade nylon bags and paper cups lined with low-density polyethylene released more than 10^12 nanoparticles per litre into water, with mean diameters of 30–80 nm. The number released depended on water temperature, and in hot water nylon released 7 times more than the cups. The authors calculate one 300 mL hot cup releases roughly one particle for every seven cells in the body.
Presence of airborne microplastics in human lung tissue
Amato-Lourenço LF et al., Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2021
Polymer particles (33) and fibres (4) were found in 13 of 20 lung tissue samples from autopsies in São Paulo. All particles were smaller than 5.5 µm and fibres were 8.12–16.8 µm; polyethylene and polypropylene were most frequent.
Sampling and quality assurance and quality control: a guide for scientists investigating the occurrence of microplastics across matrices
Brander SM et al., Applied Spectroscopy, 2020
Because microplastics are everywhere, including in lab air, water and equipment, background contamination is a constant risk. This guide sets out quality assurance and control steps (blanks, clean handling, sampling design) for water, sediment, tissue and air samples so results are reproducible across labs.
Microfiber release to water, via laundering, and to air, via everyday use: a comparison between polyester clothing with differing textile parameters
De Falco F et al., Environmental Science & Technology, 2020
Polyester garments released microfibres straight into the air during wear, and scaled up per person per year this was of a similar order to what laundering sends to wastewater. Tightly woven fabrics with highly twisted continuous-filament yarns shed least to both air and water; looser knits with short staple fibres shed most.
Nanopolystyrene translocation and fetal deposition after acute lung exposure during late-stage pregnancy
Fournier SB et al., Particle and Fibre Toxicology, 2020
Pregnant rats had 20 nm fluorescent polystyrene beads placed in their lungs late in pregnancy. Within 24 hours the particles were found in the placenta and fetal tissues, and fetal and placental weights were 7% and 8% lower than controls.
Assessing the effectiveness of point-of-use residential drinking water filters for perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)
Herkert NJ et al., Environmental Science & Technology Letters, 2020
In 73 North Carolina homes, every under-sink dual-stage and reverse osmosis filter tested removed nearly all of 16 PFAS. Other activated-carbon filters (pitcher, faucet, fridge, countertop, single-stage under-sink) were variable, removing about 60–70% of long-chain PFAS but only about 40% of short-chain ones. In four of eight whole-house carbon systems, PFAS levels were higher after the filter.
Microplastics in house dust from 12 countries and associated human exposure
Zhang J et al., Environment International, 2020
PET microplastics were found in every one of 286 dust samples at 38–120,000 µg/g (median 5,900 µg/g); polycarbonate at under 0.11–1,700 µg/g (median 8.8). Estimated median intake of PET from dust for infants ranged from 4,000 to 150,000 ng per kg body weight per day across countries.
Serum concentrations of PFASs and exposure-related behaviors in African American and non-Hispanic white women
Boronow KE et al., Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 2019
Flossing with Oral-B Glide was associated with higher levels of some PFAS in blood, as were stain-resistant carpet or furniture and living in a city with PFAS-contaminated water. In African American women only, frequent eating of food from coated cardboard containers was linked to higher levels of four PFAS. Testing confirmed fluorine in Glide and competitor flosses.
Simulating human exposure to indoor airborne microplastics using a Breathing Thermal Manikin
Vianello A et al., Scientific Reports, 2019
A breathing manikin in three apartments sampled 1.7–16.2 microplastic particles per cubic metre of air, analysed by FTIR imaging down to 11 µm. Synthetic particles were about 4% of identified particles (protein 91%, cellulose 4%). Polyester dominated (81%), then polyethylene (5%) and nylon (3%), and microplastics tended to be smaller than natural particles.
Does mechanical stress cause microplastic release from plastic water bottles?
Winkler A et al., Water Research, 2019
Opening and closing PET bottles 1, 10 and 100 times sharply increased plastic particles on the neck and especially the HDPE cap surfaces, with large differences between brands. Squeezing the bottles did not significantly raise particle counts in the water, and no stress cracks were found inside. The authors conclude the cap-and-neck system, not the bottle wall, is the main source with repeated reuse.
Anthropogenic contamination of tap water, beer, and sea salt
Kosuth M et al., PLOS ONE, 2018
81% of 159 tap water samples contained human-made particles, 98.3% of them fibres 0.1–5 mm long, at a mean of 5.45 particles per litre (range 0–61). Particles turned up in every beer and salt brand. The authors estimate an average person ingests over 5,800 synthetic particles a year from these three sources, 88% of it from tap water.
Brominated flame retardants in black plastic kitchen utensils: concentrations and human exposure implications
Kuang J et al., Science of the Total Environment, 2018
Bromine was detected in 31 of 69 utensils bought before 2011 but only 3 of 27 bought after 2011, suggesting contamination from recycled electronics plastic. In simulated cooking, about 20% of flame retardants on average moved from utensils into hot oil. Estimated median exposure from cooking with contaminated utensils was 60 ng per day of total brominated flame retardants; skin contact was minimal.
Concentrations and migratabilities of hazardous elements in second-hand children's plastic toys
Turner A et al., Environmental Science & Technology, 2018
XRF screening of about 200 second-hand toys found bromine, cadmium and lead frequently, at maximums of about 16,000, 20,000 and 5,000 µg/g. In simulated stomach acid tests on 26 toys, eight exceeded EU Toy Safety Directive migration limits for cadmium or lead, with yellow and red Lego bricks exceeding the cadmium limit tenfold.
Characterisation, quantity and sorptive properties of microplastics extracted from cosmetics
Napper IE et al., Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2015
Polyethylene microbeads extracted from facial scrubs had mean diameters of 164–327 µm, and between 4,594 and 94,500 beads could be released in a single use. In seawater the beads picked up phenanthrene and DDT much like other polyethylene particles, so they could carry pollutants.
Quantitation of gas-phase perfluoroalkyl surfactants and fluorotelomer alcohols released from nonstick cookware and microwave popcorn bags
Sinclair E et al., Environmental Science & Technology, 2007
Heated to normal cooking temperatures (179–233 °C surface), nonstick pans from four brands released 7–337 ng of PFOA per pan into the air. PFOA was still above 5 ng on the fourth use for both brands tested repeatedly. Microwave popcorn bags released 5–34 ng PFOA in their vapours; plain kernels in a polypropylene container released none detectable.
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