Microplastic Analytics between Precision and Pragmatism
1. July 2025
The Microplastics Fate Paradox
7. July 2025
Microplastics: The invisible threat to our health
Plastics have become an integral part of our everyday lives. But while we enjoy the benefits of these versatile materials, an invisible threat is growing at the same time: microplastics. These tiny particles have long since found their way into our bodies and raise important questions about their effects on our health.
What is microplastics?
Microplastics (MP) include all plastic particles that are smaller than 5 millimeters. Nanoplastics (NP) are even tinier, with particles smaller than 1 micrometer. These particles are created by the decomposition of larger plastic objects or are already produced in this size, for example for cosmetics or cleaning products.
The figures are impressive: while only 2 million tons of plastic were produced worldwide in 1950, today over 390 million tons are produced annually. The result? Over 170 trillion microplastic particles are floating in our oceans alone. Harmonized, that's only 1 MP/L, but think about what happens when we suddenly find 2 MP/L in the sea instead of 1 MP/L.
Microplastics reach us via various routes
- Inhalation - the main route of exposure: we inhale between 97 and 170 microplastic particles per person every day. Around 26-74% of these particles come from tire abrasion from our vehicles. Even the face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to the release of microplastics into the atmosphere.
- Food intake: Every day, according to some studies, we ingest between 106 and 142 microplastic particles through food and drinks. Seafood, fish, bottled drinking water, and even milk are particularly affected. It is estimated that a person in the US consumes between 74,000 and 121,000 microplastic particles annually.
- Skin contact: Less researched, but still relevant, is contact via the skin through cosmetics and synthetic textiles.
Health effects: What do we know so far?
Research into the health effects of microplastics is still in its infancy, but the initial findings are alarming.
Microplastics have already been detected in human blood, stool, heart tissue, and even the brain. These findings show that the particles can penetrate deep into our body. And as a result, these tiny particles can trigger inflammatory reactions and activate our immune system. This could lead to chronic diseases such as asthma and heart problems. It is particularly worrying that microplastics can penetrate the placenta. This could disrupt communication between mother and fetus and affect fetal development. Microplastics have also been found in breast milk, putting babies at risk of early exposure. There is also evidence that microplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and have neurotoxic effects. However, the long-term consequences for our nervous system are still unknown.
Regulation and countermeasures
The European Union has already reacted: products that intentionally contain microplastics have been banned since September 25, 2023. The aim is to prevent the release of an estimated 500,000 tons of microplastics into the environment. The EU is aiming to reduce microplastic pollution by 30% by 2030.
The challenges of research
A major problem in current research is the lack of standardized analysis methods. Different studies use different methods to extract and identify microplastics, which makes effective comparisons difficult. The development of uniform standards such as ISO/DIS 16090-2 for water samples is an important step in the right direction but is also sending the wrong message. Instead of comparing methods, i.e. correlating several results from different methods, individual methods are to provide the data in the future. However, it is still unclear what information is to be provided. Is it “only” the amount that is of interest, or does the polymer type also always have to be determined? The more information that is required, the more expensive the analysis will be and the longer it will take.
With fluorescence microscopy, we will close the gaps in the future. With your donation, you can accelerate developments and become part of the solution.
What do we still need to learn?
There are still considerable gaps in our knowledge. Most studies are based on animal models or laboratory experiments. Epidemiological studies on humans are largely lacking. The long-term effects are unknown. The interactions with other pollutants have hardly been researched and answers to the question of which types of microplastics are particularly dangerous are also unclear.
Conclusion: Taking action despite uncertainty
Microplastics have become an omnipresent reality. While research into the health effects is still in its infancy, initial findings point to potential risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children.
It is important to apply the precautionary principle: Even if not all risks are fully understood, we should take action to reduce microplastic exposure. This includes both political regulation and individual decisions to reduce plastic consumption.
The future of microplastics research lies in comprehensive epidemiological studies, standardized analytical methods and a better understanding of the long-term effects. Only then can we make informed decisions to protect our health. Rapidly available analytics is the driving force and this is where we help directly with our solutions. Transparent. Global.
