Communicating confidence in the reliability of micro- and nanoplastic identification in human health studies
Author(s)
Barron, Leon
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Accurately quantifying and characterizing human internal exposure to micro- and nanoplastics are critical for assessing potential health risks. However, the detection of these particles in human tissues, fluids, cell systems, and relevant models remains a major analytical challenge. There is an urgent need for robust, selective, sensitive, and high-throughput methods capable of generating reliable quantitative data. Equally essential is the transparent reporting of methodological limitations and uncertainties, supported by rigorous data collection and standardized practices. These challenges are compounded by the ubiquity of plastic particles, and therefore the risk of sample contamination and their diverse properties (e.g., size, shape, composition), all adding to the complexity of identifying and quantifying them in biological matrices. To address these issues, we propose a framework that integrates orthogonal analytical techniques to enhance the data reliability. Commonly used analytical techniques for the analysis of micro- and nanoplastics are assigned a category based on their specificity when identifying plastic particles. The framework proposes minimum data requirements from orthogonal techniques for the identification of plastic particles at various confidence levels. Clear communication of analytical confidence is vital, and we present a structured approach to support this. We emphasize the importance of scientific integrity, rigorous study design, and transparent reporting in health research. Finally, we call for the universal adoption of harmonized confidence criteria for reporting the presence of plastics in humans, an essential step toward informed decision-making.
Date Issued
2026-05-15
Date Acceptance
2026-01-13
Citation
Environment & Health, 2026, 4 (5), pp.804-811
ISSN
2833-8278
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Start Page
804
End Page
811
Journal / Book Title
Environment & Health
Volume
4
Issue
5
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2026 The Authors. Co-published by Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and American Chemical Society. This publication is licensed under CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 .
Identifier
10.1021/envhealth.5c00671
Subjects
What's Hidden Beneath" microplastics
nanoplastics
human exposure
analytical methods
biological matrices
quantification
detection
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2026-01-26