Launch of large-scale follow-up study into health effects of microplastics
The 3rd and 4th of June marked the official launch of the new MOMENTUM consortium. The launch began with a two-day online kick-off meeting brought all 28 partners together to get to know one another better and to define the plans for the coming period.
The new consortium was announced last January during the presentation of the knowledge agenda on Microplastics and Health to Stientje van Veldhoven, State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management. The key message of the knowledge agenda is that more research is needed, in which the creation of MOMENTUM is a major first step. MOMENTUM is a collaboration between many parties from universities, university hospitals, research organisations, the business sector and other relevant stakeholders. It builds on the fifteen breakthrough projects started in spring 2019 as part of the Microplastics & Health research programme conducted by the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw).
Focus of MOMENTUM
The aim of this consortium is to identify and ultimately prevent the effects of micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) on human health. The initial approach is to develop methods to analyse and measure MNPs in the human body, and then to investigate where in the human body these plastic particles can be absorbed. This can occur via the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, and the question is whether plastic particles can reach the brain or the unborn child. Finally, the impact of MNPs on the immune system will also be examined.
'We actually know very little about whether MNPs are absorbed in the body', explains Juliette Legler (UU), Professor of Toxicology and MOMENTUM project leader. 'We have seen early indications that this is the case, but we now plan to analyse many more samples, both human blood and various types of tissue. This will give us a clearer picture of human exposure and is the extent of it. We also want to learn more about the potential effects of MNPs. Once we know what is actually being absorbed into the body and what the effects are, we can better identify the risks and work with the industry to find solutions to prevent exposure.' Toxicologist Dick Vethaak (Deltares), MOMENTUM project co-leader, agrees: 'It is a highly complex research project and a long-term process, but we are making good progress in the Netherlands and we expect to make significant headway in the next few years. We are also looking at new dangers in relation to plastic particles. The initial ZonMw projects have shown that certain bacteria and viruses thrive on plastic, and can therefore hitch a ride with MNPs into the body. We now want to carry out further research into how this affects our health.'
Official launch
The kick-off meeting marks the official launch of MOMENTUM. This two-day online meeting focussed on establishing common ground. Stakeholders will meet and get to know each other better, discuss the current state of knowledge and attend in-depth parallel sessions on topics such as new alternative methods, health impact assessments (HIA) and the linking of environmental and health risks.
More research needed
The consortium is backed by €5.4 million in funding, and is being financed by Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development, the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Health~Holland, various knowledge institutions and the business community. These parties agree with the call in for more research, and are playing a part in achieving this by funding the MOMENTUM consortium. These organisations are also calling on other stakeholders to invest in research, as further follow-up studies are desperately needed.
Press inquiries
For press inquiries please contact Iris Kruijen, press officer for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.