Developing and optimizing methods for micro/nano-plastic exposure assessment from environmental sources and in biological matrices

Micro/nano-plastic (M/NP) pollution is an emerging problem, acknowledged by global agencies such as WHO, UNEP, ECHA, USEPA. Since the launch in 2018, EU Plastics Strategy, as part of European Green Deal, special attention is being given to microplastics. Considerable knowledge gap in M/NP characterization, exposure assessment methods and health effects have been highlighted by the WHO and European Commission. M/NPs have been detected in marine environment, food, drinking water and stool. There are indications that M/NP are also present in the atmosphere, but this is until now not investigated in any detail To investigate the risk of M/NPs for human health we first need to understand the extent and route of exposure. In line with our research in the field of environmental and occupational hygiene (LOEH, Environment and Health) and particle and fiber toxicology (Lung Toxicology) we want to:1) Develop suitable strategy for collection (gravimetric/ passive and active sampling) and metrological characterization of airborne M/NP using combination of FTIR/Raman imaging, electron microscopy and mass spectrometry).2)Exposure assessment of airborne M/NPs. This will include sampling of M/NPs inn biological samples and from air in the work environment, at home, in the urban space and at spaces handling high volume of plastics (eg supermarkets).3)Potential implication of the research in the COVID-19 Landscape: Disposable facemasks, which are prepared from polymers such as polypropylene, polyurethane, polystyrene etc are emerging as additional source of M/NP exposure in the changing landscape. The proposed study will provide an improved method of M/NP exposure assessment and allow us to perform human health risk assessment, with the intention to developing awareness and future research in this area.

Keywords:Micro/nano-plastic, Airborne, Exposure assessment, FTIR/Raman imaging, Electron microscopy

Disciplines:Environmental health and safety