Negative biological effects caused by microplastics (MPs; plastic particles less than 5 mm) and even smaller nanoplastics (NPs; plastic particles less than 1 μm) in the environment are a growing concern. These MPs and NPs have already been detected in the human body (such as in the lungs, placenta, and blood), indicating that we cannot avoid exposure, making the analysis of risks (hazard × exposure situation and dynamics) an urgent challenge.

On the other hand, it is known that MPs and NPs are complex systems with various types and diverse physicochemical properties (physical characteristics such as size, shape, and surface chemical modifications due to UV exposure). The hazards and dynamics of MPs and NPs are determined by their forms of existence (types and their physical properties), necessitating the consideration of real environments during risk analysis. However, there are currently no standard materials for MPs and NPs that meet the requirements for such research, both domestically and internationally.

To address this, the field of toxicology is developing standard materials for MPs and NPs that reflect the complex forms of existence in the environment as a library. Through dynamic and various hazard analyses, we aim to promote an integrated safety assessment of MPs and NPs. We plan to distribute these materials through collaborative research both domestically and internationally. For more details, please feel free to contact us.