DermPlast

The absorption of toxic materials through the skin can result in serious adverse effects, including cancer. While studies have shown that direct human exposure to microplastics poses risks to human health, more research is needed to understand the extent of human exposure to microplastics via different pathways. The EU-funded DermPlast project will study the dermal absorption of toxic plastic additives (plasticisers and flame retardants). It will combine advanced environmental analytical chemistry with innovative 3D-human skin equivalent models (3D-HSE). Specifically, the project will test whether microplastic additive chemicals can leach out into sweat and be absorbed through human skin to assess if frequent contact with microplastics can have significant health impacts