SCIENCE ADVICE FOR POLICY
BY EUROPEAN ACADEMIES

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.

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:

Recommendations from the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors

Working group members

Professor
University of Wageningen
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Associate Professor
University of Plymouth
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Professor
University of Gothenburg
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Postdoctoral Researcher
University of Coimbra
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Postdoctoral Researcher
University of Groningen
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Water and Marine Advisory Unit, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Ireland
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Professor
University of Exeter
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Visiting Professor
Newcastle University

Professor University of Strathclyde 

Lesley.Henderson@strath.ac.uk

 

Assistant Professor
University of Ljubljana
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Professor
King’s College London
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Research Fellow
Stockholm University
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Professor
University of Tirana
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Professor
Cardiff University
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Professor
Freie University Berlin
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Associate Professor
Utrecht University
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Professor
University of Groningen
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Professor Emeritus
Czech Technical University Prague
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Research Associate
Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies
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Associate Professor
Roskilde University
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Professor
University of Plymouth
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Associate Professor
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
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Professor
KWR Watercycle Research Institute; Utrecht University
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Research Associate
King’s College London
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Lecturer
University of Surrey
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Policy impact

Events

Communicating microplastics risk: Balancing sensation and reflection
SAPEA will organise a workshop at The Future of Science Communication Conference, taking place on 24 and 25 June.
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Erasmus Maris days
SAPEA report will be presented and discussed at an academic conference in Spain. The event takes place on 16 and 17 April 2020.
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SAPEA microplastics event in Finland
At an event on 14 November 2019 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.
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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.
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A scientific perspective on microplastics in nature and society in Slovenia
SAPEA, the Slovenian Academy of Engineering and the University of Ljubljana will host an event on microplastics. The one day meeting “A scientific perspective on microplastics in nature and society including plastic recycling and bio polymers in advanced technologies of the future” will take place on 4.10.2019 in Ljubljana.
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Albanian forum on microplastics
On 11 June 2019, the Albanian Academy of Sciences together with SAPEA organised the scientific forum “Perspectives on microplastics in nature and society”. The event aimed at raising awareness about microplastics pollution, its impact on the environment and the steps that should be taken to improve the situation.
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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.
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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 Food from the Oceans report was exhibited as part of the 2019 iteration of the conference which took place on 16/17 May 2019 in Lisbon.
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Microplastics debate ‘shows how the public can drive scientific conversations’
SAPEA hosted a lively discussion on microplastics pollution between scientists, policymakers and environmental campaigners in Switzerland.
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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.
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G7 Scientific Advice Cooperation on Microplastics Pollution Roundtable
On 20 September 2018, 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.
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News

14 October 2019: Lively discussion on microplastics in Slovenia
SAPEA’s microplastic report, along with issues related to recycling of plastics and future technologies, were discussed on 4 October 2019 in Ljubljana. The one-day event was organised by SAPEA, the Slovenian Academy of Engineering and the University of Ljubljana.  
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22 August 2019: SAPEA evidence review helps shape new WHO microplastics report
Today’s report on microplastics in drinking water by the World Health Organisation draws prominently on SAPEA's evidence review report from earlier this year.
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03 June 2019: Science advice under the spotlight in Lisbon
SAPEA participated in two major scientific events last week in Lisbon, Portugal, bringing together scientists, policymakers, industry and the public.
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06 May 2019: Scientific Opinion on microplastics handed over to Commissioners
EU policy should be broadened to address airborne, freshwater and soil-based microplastic pollution, according to the Scientific Opinion of the European Commission’s Chief Scientific Advisors. The opinion also discusses how to ensure that measures are politically and socioeconomically feasible, and highlights the need for global cooperation and high-quality scientific exchange on microplastic pollution.
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14 February 2019: SAPEA report on microplastics discussed by the G7 Chief Science Advisors
What meaningful and robust scientific advice to government is possible on microplastic pollution based on the current scientific evidence base?
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10 January 2019: Evidence on microplastics does not yet point to widespread risk, say Europe’s top scientists
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.
Read more

Academic impact

Media coverage

13 March 2023: gezondheidenwetenschap
Do chemicals in plastic make you fat?
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27 January 2023: Podcast: Our chemicalized world
Our Chemicalized World, episode 4: Microplastics in the environment II
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05 January 2023:
Keynote speakers announced for landmark conference to help end plastic pollution
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26 September 2022: Wadden Academie
Probleemverkenning en mogelijke oplossingsstrategieën
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22 September 2022: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
Challenges and opportunities of a global agreement on plastic pollution for SIDS
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16 September 2022: Plastics Today
Microplastics Problems and Solutions
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15 September 2022: Packaging Digest
Microplastics Problems and Solutions
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30 August 2022: Wikipedia
Polyethylene terephthalate
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12 August 2022: Wisconsin Groundwater Coordinating Council
Report to the Legislature - Fiscal 2022
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14 July 2022: CLEANTECHWATCH
SF og miljøorganisation: EU svigter i kampen mod mikroplast
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18 June 2022: Times.news
Health, do we eat too much plastic from the sea? Many truths and many fake news
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17 June 2022: MSN.COM
Microplásticos en la comida: su efecto en la salud y cómo reducirlos
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17 June 2022: VNEXPLORER
Microplásticos en la comida: su efecto en la salud y cómo reducirlos
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17 June 2022: El Comidista
MICROPLÁSTICOS EN LA COMIDA: SU EFECTO EN LA SALUD Y CÓMO REDUCIRLOS
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15 June 2022: Las Verdades
Microplásticos en la comedia: su efecto sobre la salud y como reducción
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16 May 2022: Wikiwand
Microplastics
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09 May 2022: Ecostandard
Tiny but deadly – time for the EU to tackle microplastic pollution
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29 March 2022: Wikipedia
Microplastics
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24 February 2022: Conversable Economist
Global Plastics
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21 February 2022: Waterstones
Influence of Microplastics on Environmental and Human Health: Key Considerations and Future Perspectives
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10 February 2022: European Environment Agency
Microplastics from textiles: towards a circular economy for textiles in Europe
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01 February 2022: Blog BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
Microplastics; are they the next largest chronic health concern?
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21 January 2022: Mind Over Metal
Moving Toward an Agenda on Ocean Health and Human Health in Europe
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14 January 2022: Naše Bio&Eko
Praní a mikroplasty: jak omezit jejich vznik?
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17 December 2021: Havet.nu
Hur skadliga är mikroplaster?
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16 December 2021: Textile Technology
Towards a new standard on fiber shedding
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15 December 2021: United Nations Environment Programme
How a source-to-sea approach can curb the threat of plastic pollution
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10 December 2021: READYTOBEAD
Plasticos en la industria textil
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06 December 2021: Environmental Pollution
Negative food dilution and positive biofilm carrier effects of microplastic ingestion by D. magna cause tipping points at the population level
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04 December 2021: Textile Technology
Chemical Fibers International
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03 December 2021: Environmental Science: Process & Impacts
Micro- and nanoplastic transfer in freezing saltwater: implications for their fate in polar waters
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03 December 2021: Frontiers in Environmental Science
eterogeneity and Contribution of Microplastics From Industrial and Domestic Sources in a Wastewater Treatment Plant in Xiamen, China
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21 October 2021: United Nations Environment Programme
From Pollution to Solution: a global assessment of marine litter and plastic pollution
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25 March 2021: Jornal de sacordo
Rios, Mares e Oceanos
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24 March 2021: Radio 2
Een filter voor microplastics, hoe goed werkt dat?
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22 February 2021: The Source Magazine
Filling the microplastics knowledge gap
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23 January 2021: Onet
Nawet nie wiemy, ile zjadamy codziennie plastiku. Ani czy nam to szkodzi
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30 September 2020: Textile World
Microplastics & The Textile Industry
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23 September 2020: Naše Bio&Eko
Praní a mikroplasty: jak omezit jejich vznik?
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07 August 2020: 15min
Pasaulis dūsta nuo plastiko: kuo aš čia dėtas?
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01 July 2020: Spray TM
Understanding Microplastics
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26 June 2020: Astroaventura
Las consecuencias de la incorrecta eliminación de millones de mascarillas
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25 June 2020: The Conversation
Las consecuencias de la incorrecta eliminación de millones de mascarillas
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08 June 2020: Anadolu Agency
Covid-19 : Les masques de protection et les gants en latex commencent à polluer les mers
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01 April 2020: MM
Makroplasty versus mikroplasty
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06 March 2020: Oceanrep
A Scientific Perspective on Microplastics in Nature and Society
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25 February 2020: Safety & Health Practitioner
Environmental ‘Legislation’ 2020 update and how to comply from a business perspective
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21 February 2020: Innovagro
Efectos microplásticos y nanoplásticos en la biodiversidad solo visibles después de un año por wur, países bajos
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20 February 2020: GYVENIMAS
Mikroplastikas yra arčiau mūsų nei galvojame: šie paprasti sprendimai padės sumažinti jo kiekį kasdienybėje
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11 February 2020: Smart Water Magazine
Effects microplastics and nanoplastics on biodiversity only visible after a year
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08 February 2020: Bio Station Store
Effecten van micro- en nanoplastics op biodiversiteit pas na dik jaar te zien
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03 February 2020: https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/plastic-crisis-microplastics/80125/
Effecten van micro- en nanoplastics op biodiversiteit pas na dik jaar te zien
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06 January 2020: Open Access Government
The plastic crisis: What’s the big deal with microplastics?
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01 January 2020: PopFlock Radio
Microplastics
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17 December 2019: Brunel University
Europe's plastics damage will show in a century, research warns
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17 December 2019: Radio Plymouth News
Europe-wide research project examines fate of microplastics in rivers and lakes
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04 December 2019: New Scientist
We constantly eat microplastics. What does that mean for our health?
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25 October 2019: Slovenian Academy of Engineering
SAPEA in Euro-CASE poročata o naši konferenci
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13 October 2019: SCAN-TV
Plastika në trupin tonë/ Dëmet e rënda që i shkakton shëndetit tonë lënda aq shumë e përhapur në glob
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01 October 2019: One World
Wij leven in een micro-plasticsoep, is dat erg?
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01 October 2019: Ecocosas
Microplásticos, qué son, problemas y soluciones
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02 September 2019: Dagens Nyheter
Mikroplast i dricksvatten ingen hälsofara
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23 August 2019: Mreža za izgradnju mira
Mora zasićena plastikom
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19 August 2019: Bilten
Mora zasićena plastikom
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16 August 2019: ZME Science
Microplastics are now snowing over the Arctic
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01 August 2019: Health Unveiled with Dr. Dan
Microplastics—A Lurking Danger No One is Talking About
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21 July 2019: Footprint
Plastic inaction may pose real risk to human health
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16 June 2019: Thomas Backhaus
Our Chemicalized World, episode 4: Microplastics in the environment II
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12 June 2019: SeafoodSource
Asia top opportunity, plastic pollution biggest threat to UK shellfish sector
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21 May 2019: Mare Centre
All the microplastics that, in a certain way, remind us marine animals
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15 May 2019: This is Plastics
Microplastics: What Do We Know About Them?
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08 May 2019: Sydney Now Magazine
The plastic in our bodies
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08 May 2019: Chemical Watch
Chief scientists back broader EU policy to tackle microplastics pollution
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05 May 2019: Politico Europe
The plastic in our bodies
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02 May 2019: Horizon Magazine
We still don't know enough about the dangers of microplastics
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15 April 2019: ZME Science
Microplastics can also travel by wind, new study shows
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14 March 2019: British Sociological Association
Sociological perspectives on plastic pollution
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14 March 2019: EuroScientist
Ecology of the Gulf of Finland and the Neva Bay: Plastic pollution of the marine environment
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12 March 2019: One World
Wij leven in een micro-plasticsoep, is dat erg?
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12 March 2019: University of Plymouth
University scientists contribute to international report on microplastic risk
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28 February 2019: University of Gothenburg
Plastics in the environment
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20 February 2019: Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research
Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research
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19 February 2019: Government of Canada
G7 scientific advice cooperation on microplastics pollution roundtable
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19 February 2019: havet.nu
Mikroplaster i samhället och miljön - ett vetenskapligt perspektiv
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19 February 2019: Gothenburg Centre for Sustainable Development
Gothenburg Centre for Sustainable Development
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19 February 2019: University of Gothenburg
Microplastics in the environment: a micro-issue, or reason for concern?
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19 February 2019: The Fair Find
De problemen met plastic: hoe groot zijn ze en wat kunnen we eraan doen?
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18 February 2019: Envi Web
Přítomnost mikroplastů v prostředí nepředstavuje pro člověka akutní hrozbu
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18 February 2019: Prumyslova Ecologie
Přítomnost mikroplastů v prostředí nepředstavuje pro člověka akutní hrozbu
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18 February 2019: Kosmetik- och hygienföretagen
Forskare menar att mikroplaster idag inte är något hot
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11 February 2019: Envi Web
Vedecká perspektíva mikroplastov v prírode a spoločnosti
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10 February 2019: Envi Web
AV ČR: Přítomnost mikroplastů v prostředí nepředstavuje pro člověka akutní hrozbu
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07 February 2019: ChemicalWatch
Echa definition of microplastics ‘too broad’ – Cefic
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07 February 2019: Human Biomonitoring for Europe
[LinkedIn post]
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04 February 2019: Novaator
Nina Hobbhahn: teadlasi kuulatakse, kui nad omavahel koostööd teevad
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04 February 2019: Chemical & Engineering News
The pervasiveness of microplastics
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03 February 2019: Claudia Crivelli Barella blog
Interrogazione – Micro e nanoplastiche nell'acqua del rubinetto?
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02 February 2019: The Fair Find
Plastic zit in ons voedsel en drinkwater, maar effecten op gezondheid nog onduidelijk
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31 January 2019: NRC
Plastic bestrijden is makkelijker dan een vliegreis weigeren
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29 January 2019: Drimble
Wetenschappelijke gegevens over microplastics wijzen nog niet op grootschalige risico's
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