[Clinical impact of microplastic exposure in humans]

There are increasing concerns about the impact of synthetic (plastic) materials on the environment and their potential health risks to humans. The use of plastics in food packaging, clothing, medical products, and car tires can release small plastic particles that enter the human body through air, food, or direct contact. The World Health Organization has evaluated the health risks associated with these so-called microplastics. However, measuring microplastics in the environment and the human body, as well as toxicological research in animal models and cell cultures, remain challenging. Improved methodologies are needed to enhance the quality and specificity of outcomes. Significant knowledge gaps persist, including the role of microplastics in (infectious) diseases. Recent clinical studies have detected microplastics in human tissues such as blood vessels, kidneys, livers, and brains, and have investigated a relationship with diseases like atherosclerosis and dementia. The Netherlands is highly active in microplastics research and is developing a knowledge agenda to mitigate the health risks of microplastics.