Environmental Health Matters Initiative

Webinar

Microplastics and Health Webinar Series: Webinar 4 - Research Priorities, Mitigation Strategies, and Public Communication in the Face of Uncertainties

June 9, 2025

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (ET)

Past

Agenda

Download the Agenda

Materials

About

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Environmental Health Matters Initiative organized a webinar series to explore human exposure to and related health effects of microplastics in the environment.

The fourth and final webinar in the series aimed to inform the public about emerging science, policy responses, and public communication strategies surrounding microplastics and human health. With growing evidence of widespread exposure and ongoing uncertainty about health impacts, this discussion explored key research gaps and opportunities, examined past, present, and potential mitigation efforts, and discussed how risk communication can be used to support informed decisions in the face of scientific uncertainty. Through three sessions focused on science, solutions, and communication, the webinar identified the next steps for research, policymaking, and public engagement.

The webinar featured presentations and remarks from Katrina S. Korfmacher (University of Rochester), Winnie Lau (The Pew Charitable Trusts), Sylvie Lemoine (The European Chemical Industry Council), Sherri Mason “Sam” (Gannon University), Sabine Pahl (University of Vienna), and Raymond Pieters (Utrecht University).

PAST WEBINARS - The webinar series: Exploring Exposure and Related Health Effects ran between February and June 2025.

Webinar #1: Methodologies for appropriate and improved sampling, analysis, characterization, monitoring, and reporting of microplastics. Date: February 27
Webinar #2: The Distribution of Microplastics in the Environment and Human Exposure Pathways. Date: March 20
Webinar #3: The Potential Hazards to Human Health and The Environment from Microplastics and the Complexity of Assessing Risks. Date: April 10

Please submit your feedback using this post event questionnaire, we'd love to hear from you!

Organizing Project

Microplastics Webinar Series: Exploring exposure and related health effects

Contact

EHMI Staff

ehmi@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar

Microplastics and Health Webinar Series: Webinar 3 - The Potential Hazards to Human Health and The Environment from Microplastics and the Complexity of Assessing Risks

April 10, 2025

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (ET)

Past

Materials

About

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Environmental Health Matters Initiative organized a webinar series to explore human exposure to and related health effects of microplastics in the environment.

The third webinar in the series aimed to inform the public and the scientific research community about the potential hazards associated with microplastics, drawing on documented studies and scientific evidence. It explored the harmful characteristics that researchers and stakeholders may consider in future studies.

Additionally, speakers discussed established methodologies for risk assessment while examining the complexities, uncertainties, and challenges involved in evaluating risks. This webinar aimed to lay a foundation for the development of a comprehensive and standardized framework for assessing microplastic-related risks, which can inform research priorities and downstream decision-making.
The webinar featured presentations from Todd Gouin (TG Environmental Research), Philip Landrigan (Boston College), and Stephanie Wright (Imperial College London), followed by a multisectoral panel discussion between the speakers and Valerie Hanley (California Department of Toxic Substances Control).

PAST WEBINARS - The webinar series: Exploring Exposure and Related Health Effects ran between February and June 2025.

Webinar #1: Methodologies for appropriate and improved sampling, analysis, characterization, monitoring, and reporting of microplastics. Date: February 27
Webinar #2: The Distribution of Microplastics in the Environment and Human Exposure Pathways. Date: March 20

Please submit your feedback using this post event questionnaire, we'd love to hear from you!

Organizing Project

Microplastics Webinar Series: Exploring exposure and related health effects

Contact

EHMI Staff

ehmi@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar

Microplastics and Health Webinar Series: Webinar 2 – Distribution of Microplastics in the Environment and Human Exposure Pathways

March 20, 2025

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (ET)

Past

Materials

About

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Environmental Health Matters Initiative organized a webinar series to explore human exposure to and related health effects of microplastics in the environment.

The second webinar of the Microplastics & Health webinar series aimed to promote awareness and provide a standard baseline understanding of microplastics' distribution in the environment and the most prevalent sources or hotspots of human exposure. Specifically, speakers and panelists highlighted the major exposure pathways (e.g., inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact) and identified which pathways pose the highest risk to human health. The goal was to bridge scientific findings with policy and regulatory frameworks by identifying data gaps, research priorities, and regulatory strategies that can mitigate microplastic exposure and inform downstream decision-making.

The webinar featured presentations from Bart Koelmans (Wageningen University) and Tracey Woodruff (University of California, San Francisco) followed by a multisectoral panel discussion between the speakers and Matthew MacLeod (Stockholm University) and Jane Muncke (Food Packaging Forum).

PAST WEBINARS - The webinar series: Exploring Exposure and Related Health Effects ran between February and June 2025.

Webinar #1: Methodologies for appropriate and improved sampling, analysis, characterization, monitoring, and reporting of microplastics. Date: February 27
Webinar #3: The Potential Hazards to Human Health and The Environment from Microplastics and the Complexity of Assessing Risks. Date: April 10

Please submit your feedback using this post event questionnaire, we'd love to hear from you!

Organizing Project

Microplastics Webinar Series: Exploring exposure and related health effects

Contact

EHMI Staff

ehmi@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar

Microplastics and Health Webinar Series: Webinar 1 – Methodologies for Appropriate and Improved Sampling, Analysis, Characterization, Monitoring, and Reporting of Microplastics

February 27, 2025

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM (ET)

Past

Materials

Dr. Walker-Franklin and Dr. Hankett Presentation

About

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Environmental Health Matters Initiative organized a webinar series to explore human exposure to and related health effects of microplastics in the environment.

The first webinar promoted awareness and provide a standard baseline understanding of microplastics' critical characteristics and associated future research direction. Specifically, speakers and panelists highlighted best practices and considerations for the collection, measurement, and characterization of microplastics in different media. They also explored the latest scientific findings that could enhance the comparability, reproducibility, and transparency of future microplastic research, providing crucial insights to inform downstream decision-making.

The webinar featured two presentations from Jeanne Hankett (BASF Corporation) and Imari Walker-Franklin (RTI International) followed by a multisectoral panel discussion between the speakers and Alessio Gomiero (NORCE Microplastics Center) and Leah Thornton Hampton (Southern California Coastal Water Research Project).

PAST WEBINARS - The webinar series: Exploring Exposure and Related Health Effects ran between February and June 2025.

Webinar #2: The Distribution of Microplastics in the Environment and Human Exposure Pathways. Date: March 20
Webinar #3: The Potential Hazards to Human Health and The Environment from Microplastics and the Complexity of Assessing Risks. Date: April 10

Please submit your feedback using this post event questionnaire, we'd love to hear from you!

Organizing Project

Microplastics Webinar Series: Exploring exposure and related health effects

Contact

EHMI Staff

ehmi@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar

Environmental Health Matters Initiative: Introduction to Microplastics and Health Implications: Where are we and where are we going?

August 28, 2024

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (ET)

Past

Materials

About

Thank you for joining us for an interactive discussion on human exposure to and related health effects of microplastics in the environment

This event was organized by the Environmental Health Matters Initiative in collaboration with the Roundtable on Plastics.

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic less than five millimeters long and have a variety of sources, including from the breakdown of larger plastic products, personal care products, and industrial processes. They are persistent in the environment and contribute to soil, land, and water pollution. Recent studies have detected microplastics in many human tissues and have been linked to systemic health effects such as inflammation and other health issues, but how dangerous they are still lacks evidence-based answers. This webinar is intended to provide a baseline of information on microplastics, the concerns, how complex this issue is, and our starting point for assessing human health risks.

A moderated discussion between Margaret Spring (Monterey Bay Aquarium) and Robert Ellis-Hutchings (The Dow Chemical Company) covered what we know about microplastics and their health implications. This conversation was followed by a multisectoral panel discussion with Susanne Brander (Oregon State University) Imari Walker-Franklin (RTI International), Anil Patri (FDA), and Scott Coffin (CA OEHHA). This conversation brought to bear what has been tried worldwide, successfully or not, the lessons to draw upon, and the path forward to bridging research gaps in science and data to inform hazard, exposure, and health risks from microplastics.

The conversation was recorded and is available below. Please also see our program news covering significant takeaways from this webinar.

The Environmental Health Matters Initiative is a forum that aims to equitably improve the health of all people through evidence-based solutions to environmental health issues. The Roundtable on Plastics explores and advances systemic solutions and interventions across each stage of the life cycle to catalyze the development of innovative solutions to the plastic pollution and waste problem.

Contact

Christl Saunders

ehmi@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Workshop

How We Move Matters: Exploring the Connections between New Transportation and Mobility Options and Environmental Health – A Workshop (Session #5 and #6)

July 21, 2021

11:30 AM - 4:00 PM (ET)

Past

Materials

About

Technology-enabled transportation services – like ridehailing, delivery apps, automated vehicles, and e-scooters – have revolutionized the way we move. But changing how we get around also impacts our environment. How does ridehailing affect air pollution in our communities? What are the environmental impacts of having packages delivered to our front door?

This workshop brought together experts in transportation, energy, the environment, consumer behavior, and environmental health to share perspectives on the environmental health impact of evolving mobility options. Participants explored existing and needed research on the environmental health challenges related to emerging transportation services expected in the next decade.

Program-at-a-Glance for July 21, 2021

Session V. Prioritizing the Path Ahead: What’s Really Needed to Preserve the Environmental Health of our Communities?

Building upon the previous day’s discussion, key thought leaders were invited to identify and define key priorities in addressing environmental health issues stemming from changing mobility patterns. We also discussed the role we all have to play to mitigate negative and encourage positive environmental health outcomes.

Session VI. Bringing it All Together: Information and Research Needs for Enhanced Mobility and Environmental Health

Using input and insights gathered throughout the event and reflecting on the prioritization discussions, we identified needed next steps to address gaps in transportation and environmental health data, policies and plans, and ways all key stakeholders can affect future mobility changes that positively support environmental health.

Organizing Project

How We Move Matters: Exploring the Connections between New Transportation and Mobility Options and Environmental Health--A Workshop

Contact

Christl Saunders

ehmi@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Workshop

How We Move Matters: Exploring the Connections between New Transportation and Mobility Options and Environmental Health--A Workshop (Session #3 and #4)

July 16, 2021

12:30 PM - 4:00 PM (ET)

Past

Materials

About

Technology-enabled transportation services – like ridehailing, delivery apps, automated vehicles, and e-scooters – have revolutionized the way we move. But changing how we get around also impacts our environment. How does ridehailing affect air pollution in our communities? What are the environmental impacts of having packages delivered to our front door?

This workshop brought together experts in transportation, energy, the environment, consumer behavior, and environmental health to share perspectives on the environmental health impact of evolving mobility options. Participants explored existing and needed research on the environmental health challenges related to emerging transportation services expected in the next decade.

Program-at-a-Glance for July 16, 2021

Session III. Assessing Solutions: Policy’s Impact on Our Mobility and Environmental Health

This session highlighted important insights at the nexus of where transportation policies, environmental health policies, and actual consumer behavior meet. Discussions attempted to find the sweet spot between policy, economic incentives, improved mobility, equity and environmental health. Example topics included curbside management, streetscape changes, and zoning.

Session IV. The Wicked Problems: Real World Experiences and Opportunities to Shape the Path Ahead

As governmental entities, consumers, businesses, and others respond to changes in how people and goods move, we are seeing both opportunities and challenges that are unprecedented. The session featured a panel of experts from health, transportation, and behavioral science to reflect on what we’ve learned so far and share insights on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead of us. We also shared (and commented on) workshop attendees insights from Slack to bring everybody into the conversation.

Organizing Project

How We Move Matters: Exploring the Connections between New Transportation and Mobility Options and Environmental Health--A Workshop

Contact

Christl Saunders

ehmi@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Workshop

How We Move Matters: Exploring the Connections between New Transportation and Mobility Options and Environmental Health--A Workshop (Session #1 and #2)

July 13, 2021

11:30 AM - 4:00 PM (ET)

Past

Materials

About

Technology-enabled transportation services – like ridehailing, delivery apps, automated vehicles, and e-scooters – have revolutionized the way we move. But changing how we get around also impacts our environment. How does ridehailing affect air pollution in our communities? What are the environmental impacts of having packages delivered to our front door?

This workshop brought together experts in transportation, energy, the environment, consumer behavior, and environmental health to share perspectives on the environmental health impact of evolving mobility options. Participants explored existing and needed research on the environmental health challenges related to emerging transportation services expected in the next decade.

Program-at-a-Glance for July 13, 2021

Session I. The Mobility Revolution: How Are Our Options Changing?

Experts on the forefront of evaluating, developing and integrating mobility options in the transportation sector explored how these options have changed the way we move people and goods recently (within the last 5 years) and how they are likely to change in the future (5-10 year time horizon). Specific focus was on new transportation technologies, the pace of their adoption, and their economic and environmental footprint.

Session II. The Big Picture: Why Does the Mobility Revolution Matter to Environmental Health

This session examined the mobility changes discussed in session #1 in the context of environmental health – for every change in mode choice, what are the environmental health changes (both positive and negative)? Lessons learned from changes occurring in recent years were also be explored to help evaluate/consider impacts of further mobility changes on environmental health, including air quality, waste, and other areas of concern.

Organizing Project

How We Move Matters: Exploring the Connections between New Transportation and Mobility Options and Environmental Health--A Workshop

Contact

Christl Saunders

ehmi@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

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Environmental Health Matters Initiative

Microplastics and Health Webinar Series: Webinar 4 - Research Priorities, Mitigation Strategies, and Public Communication in the Face of Uncertainties

Microplastics and Health Webinar Series: Webinar 3 - The Potential Hazards to Human Health and The Environment from Microplastics and the Complexity of Assessing Risks

Microplastics and Health Webinar Series: Webinar 2 – Distribution of Microplastics in the Environment and Human Exposure Pathways

Microplastics and Health Webinar Series: Webinar 1 – Methodologies for Appropriate and Improved Sampling, Analysis, Characterization, Monitoring, and Reporting of Microplastics