At the recent Imptox Stakeholder Dialogue in Brussels, Imptox Scientist Dr. Michelle Epstein from the Medical University of Vienna presented groundbreaking research exploring the effects of micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) on allergic diseases. 

Brussels, [Feb 25 2025] — The study, part of the European Union's Horizon 2020-funded Imptox initiative, investigates how MNPs combined with allergens may increase allergic sensitization through inhalation and ingestion.

"With allergic diseases on the rise globally, our research aims to uncover whether the increase in environmental MNPs could be a contributing factor," said Dr. Epstein. "While human studies are ethically and practically challenging, our animal models provide valuable insights into how these particles interact with the immune system."

The study utilized polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles, assessing their impact on asthma and food allergies using advanced mouse models. The experiments demonstrated that MNPs, especially PET particles, could modestly enhance allergic responses and, in some cases, trigger immune inflammation even without allergen co-exposure.

A key finding presented during the talk highlighted that mice with allergic asthma exhibited substantially higher retention of plastic particles in the lungs compared to healthy mice. These results underscore the complex interplay of factors influencing immune responses, including particle type, host characteristics, and exposure routes.

Dr. Epstein emphasized that while the observed effects were modest, the potential long-term impact of sustained exposure to diverse MNPs warrants further investigation. The Imptox project aims to continue exploring the multifactorial influences of MNPs on health to support evidence-based risk assessments and inform public health policies.