NIEHS Center Seminar - Dr. Susanne Brander, Science Project Director at the Pew Charitable Trusts, Safer Chemicals Project
Title: Micro and nanoplastics: A huge tiny problem across taxa, including humans
Abstract: Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants, yet research on their human health impacts remains in its early stages. Evidence from translocation studies shows that particles, especially high-aspect-ratio fibers, move from the gut into tissues of both fish and mammals via shared mechanisms, with field-caught fishes showing microplastic accumulation in fillets and liver. Comparable translocation, including particles recovered from lung, placenta, and stool, has now been documented in human tissue. Physiological responses to MNP exposure also converge across taxa, frequently converging on oxidative stress as an initiating mechanism. In fish, polystyrene nanoparticles induce cardiomyocyte apoptosis and myocardial inflammation; gene expression studies show weathered microfibers activate cardiac- and muscle-related pathways similar to those triggered by nanoscale tire particles and polylactic acid. Parallel cardiovascular effects — endothelial damage, oxidative stress, and altered clotting — have been reported in human epidemiological studies. Reproductive and developmental impacts, including reduced fecundity, growth restriction, and disrupted hormone feedback loops, appear consistently across fish, rodents, and humans, with a recent cross-taxa synthesis identifying shared declines in oocyte quality, sperm health and offspring health or hatching success. These convergent findings support the need for a stronger research focus on the effects of MNPs on human health. Priority needs include environmentally relevant particles such as those from packaging, microfibers and tire wear particles, and improved analytical methods for particle morphology. The weight of existing evidence suggests the need for increased bio
Location: Allan Rosenfield Building (ARB), Room 532B.
Zoom registration link: https://columbiacuimc.zoom.us/meeting/register/pzIDljc2R0Cs01gpkksUFw
