Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025
Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis
Published on: December 16, 2016
Microplastics: State of the Evidence on Health Effects and Public Perception
Robin Janzik1, Holger Sieg, Albert Braeuning
1Department Risk Communication, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany; Department Food and Feed Safety in the Food Chain, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany; Department Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany.
Microplastics are common environmental contaminants. Current research shows no proven health effects, but public concern is high, necessitating further investigation and physician guidance.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Microplastics, defined as plastic particles from 1 μm to 5 mm, are pervasive environmental contaminants.
- Distinction is made between microplastics and nanoplastics (<1 μm or <100 nm).
- Public and media attention on microplastics is increasing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the current scientific and medical understanding of microplastics.
- To explore public perception and concerns regarding microplastics.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of publications from PubMed and Scopus.
- Supplemented by a random-quota online survey of the German-speaking population (N=1135).
Main Results:
- Microplastics enter the body primarily through inhalation and ingestion.
- Most ingested microplastics are excreted, but a small fraction may become systemically bioavailable.
- Microplastics have been detected in human tissues, but no causal health effects have been proven.
- 84% of surveyed individuals believe microplastics can worsen existing medical conditions.
Conclusions:
- Definitive conclusions on the health effects of microplastics cannot be drawn from current evidence.
- This information aims to assist physicians in counseling patients about microplastic exposure and concerns.
More Related Videos
05:48Sampling, Identification and Characterization of Microplastics Release from Polypropylene Baby Feeding Bottle during Daily Use
Published on: July 24, 2021
05:31Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris
Published on: July 28, 2018
