Expert consensus on microplastics and health core information

Microplastics refer to plastic particles with a particle size of less than 5 millimeters, which have been recognized by some institutions as a new type of environmental pollutant. Microplastics are widely present in marine, freshwater, atmospheric, and soil environments, and have also been detected in common foods and drinking water in daily life. Human is exposed to microplastics through multiple pathways, and multiple studies have detected the presence of microplastics in tissues such as feces, urine, blood, and placenta, suggesting potential health impacts. The expert consensus writing group of the Microplastics and Health Core Information of the Hydration for Health Branch of the Chinese Nutrition Society invited experts from multiple disciplines such as environment, food safety, nutrition, and journalism and communication from universities, research institutions, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention serve as consultants. Based on the latest results and evidence from studies related to microplastics and health, and combined with the Delphi expert consultation method, an expert consensus on microplastics and health core information was developed. It is aimed to improve public awareness of microplastic exposure and its relationship with health. In this way, the risk of microplastic exposure in the body and microplastic pollution in the environment can be reduced, and ultimately the goal of the ecological environment protection and human health maintenance can be achieved.