Study analyzes children’s plastic toys from the EU market for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs); find 11 out of 84 toys have elevated bromine content; finds PBDEs in all 11 samples, many of which exceed regulatory limits
Author archives: joel.scheuchzer
AURORA study reviews available methods for detecting MNPs in human fluids and tissue
Review specifically focuses on high-throughput approaches for population-wide biomonitoring; calls for more standardization in methods and quality assessment and control
AURORA study examines cell uptake and interactions of polystyrene MNPs with hormone receptors
Researchers from the AURORA consortium publish a study testing for potential endocrine-disrupting effects of polystyrene (PS) micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) particles; finds uptake of PS-MNP particles differs per cell type; detects limited endocrine-disrupting effects in vitro; reports that PS-MNPs can affect steroidogenesis; study calls for needed additional research
Recent studies show that MNPs can negatively impact reproductive health
Studies confirm micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in human endometrial tissue, amniotic fluid, placentas, and feces of pregnant people; MNP presence in the endometrium is linked with recurrent miscarriages in humans, apoptosis in organoids, and reduced fertility in mice; higher MNPs exposure from seafood and bottled water consumption
What happens to micro- and nanoplastics in the body?
Study proposes a preliminary physiologically-based toxicokinetic (PBTK) model for micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs); polymer type, size, shape, surface chemistry, surface biofilms, and biocorona determine toxicokinetic rates; models for engineered nanoparticles are not appropriate due to heterogeneity of MNPs; uptake via inhalation and effects of absorbed chemicals need more investigation
AURORA project featured in public health webinar
Webinar on human exposure and health effects of micro and nanoplastics hosted by Collaborative for Health & Environment puts a spotlight on AURORA and POLYRISK; AURORA project coordinator Roel Vermeulen speaks about progress and challenges; shares first project preliminary results; emphasizes the need for further research and standardized methods
AURORA scientists propose a roadmap towards risk assessment of MNPs
Researchers detail roadmap for effective risk assessment of micro- and nanoplastics for early-life health; identify various knowledge gaps; highlight the need for cross-discipline research to generate necessary evidence base
Deciphering the differences in plastic particles reported in foods
Two studies investigate micro- and nanoplastics measured in foods; review the range of reported values and diversity of study methods; make suggestions to standardize research methodologies; one study outlines additional standards the micro – nanoplastics research community needs to develop in order to assist regulators
Mapping microplastics in the male reproductive system
Study provides an in-depth look at microplastics in the male reproductive system, analyzes human and mouse samples to chart concentrations and polymer types; finds microplastics in all human testes samples and majority of semen samples; larger plastic particles may get trapped in testis, leading to higher concentrations; identifies correlation between urbanization, home-cooked meals, and body scrub used to microplastics concentration
AURORA study on household plastics exposure launched
AURORA partners from the University Medical Center Utrecht have launched a study investigating micro- and nanoplastics in females of reproductive age; includes 100 participants from around Utrecht, the Netherlands; first study visits started in July 2023 and will conclude in February 2024
