Webinar: Do We Know Enough to Assess Health Risks Posed by Micro- and Nanoplastics?
Virtual, Event
December 11, 2025
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics is recognized to occur primarily through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. These materials have been associated with suspected adverse health outcomes including oxidative stress and inflammation. Research has shown these particles can accumulate in organs and cross various membrane barriers. However, the levels detected are typically very low, and current analytical methods yield highly variable results, which may lead to misinterpretations and, in turn, potentially misguided public health decisions.
This webinar addressed knowledge and data gaps required for human health risk assessment of micro- and nanoplastic particles. Aspects pertaining to exposure analysis and hazard identification were discussed by leading experts in environmental health and safety.
The speakers outlined key knowns and unknowns about micro- and nanoplastic particle exposure and related health hazards and discuss data needs for accurate assessment micro- and nanoplastic risks to human health.
Speakers:
Dr. Andrea Haase, Unit Head Fiber and Nanotoxicology, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)
Dr. Christie Sayes, Professor of Environmental Science, Baylor University
This webinar was supported by the IAFNS Food Chemical Safety Committee and AOAC INTERNATIONAL.