Key knowledge gaps for One Health approach to mitigate nanoplastic risks

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Public Health

Background:

• Growing concerns exist regarding nanoplastic threats to environmental and human health.
• Multidisciplinary barriers hinder comprehensive risk assessment of nanoplastics.
• The hazards and risks associated with nanoplastics remain largely uncertain.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify key knowledge gaps in nanoplastic environmental exposure, bio-nano interactions, and health risks.
• Propose a holistic approach to address the interconnected risks of nanoplastics.
• Advocate for the integration of the One Health approach for nanoplastic risk mitigation.

Main Methods:

• Evaluation of nanoplastic environmental exposure pathways.
• Assessment of nanoplastic interactions with biological systems (bio-nano interactions).
• Examination of potential risks posed by nanoplastics to ecosystems and human health.

Main Results:

• Nanoplastics are complex mixtures of polymers, additives, and contaminants with interconnected health risks.
• Existing research is fragmented due to multidisciplinary barriers.
• Knowledge gaps exist in understanding exposure, bio-nano interactions, and overall risks.

Conclusions:

• Nanoplastics present complex, interconnected risks to both environmental and human health.
• A comprehensive One Health approach is essential for robust, multidisciplinary evidence generation.
• Integrating environmental exposure and multi-sectoral responses can identify effective risk mitigation strategies and build resilient health systems.