Presence of microplastics in humans

Subject: Presence of microplastics in humans

A study by the State University of Arizona has confirmed the presence of PC, PET and PE microplastics in the human body, namely in the lungs, liver, spleen and kidney. Although the extent of microplastics in the human body and the impact they have is unknown, what is known is that they have caused inflammation, cancer and even problems of fertility in animals.

1. What additional measures does the Commission plan to take to combat microplastic pollution?

2. How will the Commission implement the recommendations of the latest scientific advice from the Scientific Advisory Mechanism, dating from April 2019?

3. Is the Commission planning to undertake advanced epidemiological studies to determine the type of plastic present in human tissues and/or to assess the effects of microplastics on human health?

Answer given by Mr Sinkevičius on behalf of the European Commission (3 November 2020)

The Commission is aware of the challenges posed by the widespread presence of microplastics in the environment. The European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy (1) highlights that innovative solutions are needed as well as targeted measures for each source of microplastic release.

The new Circular Economy Action Plan adopted in March 2020 (2) foresees a set of actions to address microplastics, in line with the recommendations of the latest scientific report by the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors (3).

The Commission is working on restricting the use of intentionally added microplastics in products (e.g. cosmetics, detergents, paints) under the regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (4).

Furthermore, the new Circular Economy Action Plan underlines the need to address unintentional releases of microplastics by developing labelling, standardisation, certification and regulatory measures; harmonising methods for measuring unintentional releases of microplastics; and closing the gaps on scientific knowledge related to the risks and occurrence of microplastics in the environment, drinking water and foods.

An impact assessment on the possible actions to reduce the emissions of microplastics will be launched in 2020 and concrete measures could be proposed on that basis.

The Commission published in July 2019 a call for research proposals under Horizon 2020 on ‘Micro‐ and nano-plastics in our environment: Understanding exposures and impacts on human health’ (5), with an indicative budget of EUR 25 million.

A number of proposals were received and are under evaluation. The selected projects, to start in 2021, will advance the understanding of exposures to and health effects of microplastics.

⋅1∙ COM(2018)16.

⋅2∙ COM(2020)98.

⋅3∙ Environmental and health risks of microplastic pollution, Group of Chief Scientific Advisors Scientific, Opinion 6/2019.

⋅4∙ Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and

Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency, amending Directive 1999/45/EC and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1488/94 as well as Council Directive 76/769/EEC and Commission Directives 91/155/EEC, 93/67/EEC, 93/105/EC and 2000/21/EC, OJ L 396, 30.12.2006.

⋅5∙ https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/sc1-bhc-36-2020