A scientific perspective on microplastics in nature and society

The best available evidence suggests that microplastics and nanoplastics do not pose a widespread risk to humans or the environment, except in small pockets. But that evidence is limited, and the situation could change if pollution continues at the current rate.

This is the verdict of SAPEA's Evidence Review Report on micro- and nanoplastic pollution, published in January 2019. The report is written by a group of world-leading experts nominated by academies across Europe, and informs Scientific Opinion 6 from the European Commission's Group of Chief Scientific Advisors.

What the report says

The report comprehensively examines the best available evidence from the natural sciences and computer modelling, as well as social, political and behavioural sciences. Its key conclusions are:

Microplastics -- tiny particles under 5mm in length -- are already present across air, soil and sediment, freshwaters, seas and oceans, plants and animals, and in several components of the human diet.
These particles come from a variety of sources, including plastic products, textiles, fisheries, agriculture, industry and general waste.
In controlled experiments, high concentrations of these particles have been shown to cause physical harm to the environment and living creatures, including inducing inflammation and stress.
However, the concentration levels measured in many real-world locations are well below this threshold -- though there are also limitations in the measurement methods currently available.
Meanwhile, in other parts of the environment, there is no reliable evidence about the levels or effects of these particles. This is true especially of nanoplastics, which are very difficult to measure and evaluate.

Read the conclusions Read the full report

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Debate and impact

Policy impactAcademic impactMedia coverageEvents

World Health Organisation: strong influence on "Microplastics in drinking-water"
G7: discussed by G7 science advisors at roundtable meeting in Washington DC
European Chemicals Agency: multiple citations in proposal for restriction on intentionally-added microplastics
European Commission: cited in A circular economy for plastics.
European Marine Board: cited in Marine Science for a Sustainable Future
UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs: extensively cited in Marine Plastic Pollution Evidence Review
SETAC: the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry drew on our report to make their own policy brief on plastics
Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare & Sport: cited in government study of microplastics in clothing
Government of Canada: cited in Draft science assessment of plastic pollution
NanoConsult: cited in Health effects of microplastics
European Commission's call for tender to investigate knowledge gaps identified by SAPEA report.
European Topic Centre on Waste and Materials in a Green Economy Plastic in textiles: potentials for circularity and reduced environmental and climate impacts

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The report is also being used in a seminar with students of environmental science at ETH Zurich and included in a syllabus of a Multidisciplinary Program on Sustainable Food and Biomass Systems of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel

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NRC: Kleine plasticdeeltjes zullen in de toekomst veel milieuschade aanrichten (10 January 2019)
Naturwissenschaften Schweiz: A scientific perspective on microplastics in nature and society (January 2019)
ALLEA: SAPEA report: Evidence on microplastics does not yet point to widespread risk (10 January 2019)
Scheldeschorren: A scientific perspective on microplastics in nature and society (10 January 2019)
Wageningen University: Vijf vragen over de impact van de containerramp met de MSC Zoë (11 January 2019)
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niewus.nl: Universiteit Wageningen beantwoordt 5 vragen impact containerramp MSC Zoë (11 January 2019)
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Market Advisory Council: Evidence on microplastics does not yet point to widespread risk, say Europe's top scientists (11 January 2019)
Vrije Universiteit Brussel: Jean Monnet Chair Harri Kalimo 'advising the advisors' on Microplastics (undated, January 2019)
Afval Online: Gezondheidsrisico van microplastics is nu beperkt (14 January 2019)
Food Packaging Forum: Report on risk of microplastics (15 January 2019)
Academia Europaea: Handover of new SAPEA report to the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors (15 January 2019)
University of Ljubljana: Objavljeno poročilo o znanstvenem pogledu na mikroplastiko v naravi in družbi (16 January 2019)
FoodHolland Nieuws: Vooralsnog nog geen grote risico's microplastics voor mensen en omgeving (16 January 2019)
Innovations- och kemiindustrierna i Sverige: Liten risk med mikroplaster idag (17 January 2019)
Brunel University: Europe's plastics damage will show in a century, research warns (17 January 2019)
Czech Academy of Sciences: Přítomnost mikroplastů v prostředí nepředstavuje pro člověka akutní hrozbu (17 January 2019)
Global Young Academy: GYA member contributes to evidence review on microplastics (17 January 2019)
One World: Klein, kleiner, kleinst: plastic deeltjes in het milieu (18 January 2019)
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NRC Wetenschap supplement: Een zee van onzichtbaar plastic (19-20 January 2019)
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Czech Academy of Sciences: Presence of microplastics in the environment does not pose an imminent threat (21 January 2019)
Irish Academy of Engineering: New report: evidence on microplastics says no widespread risk yet (21 January 2019)
ChemicalWatch: 'Widespread' risk if microplastics are not restricted – EU science group (22 January 2019)
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Hrvatska Akademija Znanosti i Umjetnosti: SAPEA objavila izvješće pod nazivom "A scientific perspective on microplastics in nature and society" (22 January 2019)
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Croatian Academy of Sciences and Art: SAPEA objavila izvješće pod nazivom A scientific perspective on microplastics in nature and society (22 January 2019)
The Ecologist: Microplastics' threat to nature (23 January 2019)
Nature Today: Microplastics vormen nog geen grote risico’s, volgens Europese topwetenschappers (27 January 2019)
Friesch Dagblad: Opinie: Microplastics nog geen groot risico maar wel een probleem (29 January 2019)
Drimble: Wetenschappelijke gegevens over microplastics wijzen nog niet op grootschalige risico's (29 January 2019)
NRC: Plastic bestrijden is makkelijker dan een vliegreis weigeren (31 January 2019)
The Fair Find: Plastic zit in ons voedsel en drinkwater, maar effecten op gezondheid nog onduidelijk (2 February 2019)
Claudia Crivelli Barella blog: Interrogazione – Micro e nanoplastiche nell'acqua del rubinetto? (3 February 2019)
Chemical & Engineering News: The pervasiveness of microplastics (4 February 2019)
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ChemicalWatch: Echa definition of microplastics 'too broad' – Cefic (7 February 2019)
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The Fair Find: De problemen met plastic: hoe groot zijn ze en wat kunnen we eraan doen? (19 February 2019)
University of Gothenburg: Microplastics in the environment: a micro-issue, or reason for concern? (19 February 2019)
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havet.nu: Mikroplaster i samhället och miljön - ett vetenskapligt perspektiv (19 February 2019)
Government of Canada: G7 scientific advice cooperation on microplastics pollution roundtable (19 February 2019)
Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research: High-level meeting in Washington: ZMT joins G7 advisory roundtable on microplastics pollution (20 February 2019)
University of Gothenburg: Plastics in the environment (28 February 2019)
PopFlock Radio: Microplastics (no date)
Hungarian Academy of Engineering: SAPEA jelentés (no date)
University of Plymouth: University scientists contribute to international report on microplastic risk (12 March 2019)
One World: Wij leven in een micro-plasticsoep, is dat erg? (12 March 2019)
EuroScientist: Ecology of the Gulf of Finland and the Neva Bay: Plastic pollution of the marine environment (14 March 2019)
British Sociological Association: Sociological perspectives on plastic pollution (March 2019)
ZME Science: Microplastics can also travel by wind, new study shows (15 April 2019)
Horizon Magazine: We still don't know enough about the dangers of microplastics (2 May 2019)
Politico Europe: The plastic in our bodies (5 May 2019)
Chemical Watch: Chief scientists back broader EU policy to tackle microplastics pollution (8 May 2019)
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Bilten: Mora zasićena plastikom (19 August 2019)
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Dagens Nyheter: Mikroplast i dricksvatten ingen hälsofara (2 September 2019)
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New Scientist: We constantly eat microplastics. What does that mean for our health? (4 December 2019)
Radio Plymouth News: Europe-wide research project examines fate of microplastics in rivers and lakes (17 December 2019)
Open Access Government: The plastic crisis: What’s the big deal with microplastics? (6 January 2020)
Wageningen University & Research: Effecten van micro- en nanoplastics op biodiversiteit pas na dik jaar te zien (3 February 2020)
Bio Station Store: Effecten van micro- en nanoplastics op biodiversiteit pas na dik jaar te zien (8 February 2020)
Smart Water Magazine: Effects microplastics and nanoplastics on biodiversity only visible after a year (11 February 2020)
GYVENIMAS: Mikroplastikas yra arčiau mūsų nei galvojame: šie paprasti sprendimai padės sumažinti jo kiekį kasdienybėje (20 February 2020)
Innovagro: Efectos microplásticos y nanoplásticos en la biodiversidad solo visibles después de un año por wur, países bajos (21 February 2020)
Safety & Health Practitioner: Environmental ‘Legislation’ 2020 update and how to comply from a business perspective (25 February 2020)
Oceanrep: A Scientific Perspective on Microplastics in Nature and Society (6 March 2020)
MM: Makroplasty versus mikroplasty (April 2020)
Anadolu Agency: Covid-19 : Les masques de protection et les gants en latex commencent à polluer les mers (8 June 2020)
The Conversation: Las consecuencias de la incorrecta eliminación de millones de mascarillas (25 June 2020)
Astroaventura: Las consecuencias de la incorrecta eliminación de millones de mascarillas (26 June 2020)
Spray TM: Understanding Microplastics (July 2020)
15min: Pasaulis dūsta nuo plastiko: kuo aš čia dėtas? (7 August 2020)
Naše Bio&Eko: Praní a mikroplasty: jak omezit jejich vznik? (23 September 2020)
Textile World: Microplastics & The Textile Industry (30 September 2020)
Onet: Nawet nie wiemy, ile zjadamy codziennie plastiku. Ani czy nam to szkodziy (23 January 2021)
The Source Magazine: Filling the microplastics knowledge gap (22 February 2021)
Radio 2: Een filter voor microplastics, hoe goed werkt dat? (24 March 2021)
Jornal de sacordo: Rios, Mares e Oceanos (25 March 2021)

Microplastics in Danish marine waters

Evidence from our report was presented at this seminar hosted by the University of Aarhus in Denmark.

Science meets Parliaments 2019

Science meets Parliaments 2019 brought together decision-makers and researchers for a two-day event at the European Parliament in Brussels to discuss the role of science in 21st century policy-making and how to gear it towards solutions to the challenges of our time.

G7 meeting

Science advisors from the G7 countries, convened by the European Commission and the Chief Science Advisor of Canada, met in Washington DC to discuss the SAPEA report and future cooperation in advising world governments on microplastics.

European Commission expert workshop

The SAM Unit of the European Commission assembled a range of experts to discuss the SAPEA report and provide input into the forthcoming Scientific Opinion of the GCSA.

ALLEA General Assembly

The ALLEA General Assembly convenes Academies of Sciences and Humanities from 40 countries across the Council of Europe region. SAPEA used the impact of the microplastics report as a springboard to discuss the interaction of science and society.

European Maritime Day

The European Maritime Day is the annual EU meeting point on maritime affairs and blue growth. It targets maritime professionals, entrepreneurs and ocean leaders from businesses, governments, public institutions, NGOs and academia. Our microplastics report was exhibited as part of this conference.

EurOCEAN 2019

EurOCEAN is a high-level science-policy conference co-organised by European Marine Board, the European Commission and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO.

GESAMP workshop

GESAMP is the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection. The SAPEA report on microplastics was the subject of the keynote address at a GESAMP expert workshop.

SETAC Europe

The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry is a global professional society established which provides a forum for individuals and institutions engaged in education, research and development, ecological risk assessment and life-cycle assessment, chemical manufacture and distribution, management and regulation of natural resources, and the study, analysis, and solution of environmental problems. We presented our report on stage in 2019.

UN World Oceans Day

In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly decided that, as of 2009, 8 June would be designated by the United Nations as World Oceans Day. A large number of events are organised around the world on this date. In 2019, we discussed microplastics with the public at a city science fair in Sopot, Poland, and ran a custom-made escape room game to communicate key microplastics messages.

Albanian forum on microplastics

The Albanian Academy of Sciences co-organised an event on SAPEA's microplastics report on 11 June 2019 in Tirana.

Solutions to plastics in the ocean: the Baltic and beyond

We presented our report at this pan-Scandinavian symposium in Stockholm, organised by the Royal Swedish Academy of Science.

International conference on environmental psychology

Our report was featured in a poster at this behavioural science conference in the UK.

International Science Council

Our report was used as an illustration of best practice in reaching the 2030 UN sustainable development goals by the International Science Council at their meeting in September.

A scientific perspective on microplastics in nature and society in Slovenia

Our report will be presented by two working group members: Dr Gabriela Kalcikova and Professor Wouter Poortinga. The meeting will be open to a diverse audience from academia and universities, to Slovenian policymakers, NGOs and the private sector.

SAPEA microplastics event in Finland

At an event in Helsinki, the SAPEA report will be a starting point for the discussion on risks of microplastics to human and the environment, the relationship between research, scientific data and legislation, and the presence of microplastics in Finnish waters.

The science of microplastics in the world ocean

The SAPEA report was presented at this international workshop to formulate next steps in understanding the fate, distribution, impacts, and technology development necessary to push the science.

Erasmus Maris days

Our report was presented and discussed at this academic conference in Spain.

acatech am Dienstag

The German national academy of technical sciences hosted a public outreach event about microplastics in Munich, where SAPEA's report was prominently featured.

Working group members

How do we find our experts?

Bart Koelmans
Chair

Professor
University of Wageningen
Personal profile

Sabine Pahl
Vice-Chair

Associate Professor
University of Plymouth
Personal profile

Thomas Backhaus

Professor
University of Gothenburg
Personal profile

Filipa Bessa

Postdoctoral Researcher
University of Coimbra
Personal profile

Geert van Calster

Professor
KU Leuven
Personal profile

Nadja Contzen

Postdoctoral Researcher
University of Groningen
Personal profile

Richard Cronin

Water and Marine Advisory Unit, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Ireland
Personal profile

Tamara Galloway

Professor
University of Exeter
Personal profile

Andy Hart

Visiting Professor
Newcastle University

Lesley Henderson

Senior Lecturer
Brunel University
Personal profile

Gabriela Kalčíková

Assistant Professor
University of Ljubljana
Personal profile

Frank Kelly

Professor
King's College London
Personal profile

Bartłomiej Kołodziejczyk

Research Fellow
Stockholm University
Personal profile

Elda Marku

Professor
University of Tirana
Personal profile

Wouter Poortinga

Professor
Cardiff University
Personal profile

Matthias Rillig

Professor
Freie University Berlin
Personal profile

Erik Van Sebille

Associate Professor
Utrecht University
Personal profile

Linda Steg

Professor
University of Groningen
Personal profile

Josef Steidl

Professor Emeritus
Czech Technical University Prague
Personal profile

Julia Steinhorst

Research Associate
Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies
Personal profile

Kristian Syberg

Associate Professor
Roskilde University
Personal profile

Richard Thompson

Professor
University of Plymouth
Personal profile

Martin Wagner

Associate Professor
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Personal profile

Annemarie van Wezel

Professor
KWR Watercycle Research Institute; Utrecht University
Personal profile

Stephanie Wright

Research Associate
King's College London
Personal profile

Kayleigh Wyles

Lecturer
University of Surrey
Personal profile

A scientific perspective on microplastics in nature and society

The best available evidence suggests that microplastics and nanoplastics do not pose a widespread risk to humans or the environment, except in small pockets. But that evidence is limited, and the situation could change if pollution continues at the current rate.

What the report says

Debate and impact

Downloads

Links

Working group members