Microplastics testing
Source of Plastic Exposure
Trinity College Dublin published groundbreaking research in 2025 showing that microscopic plastic waste particles can cross the blood-brain barrier and may contribute to the rising incidence of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, whose incidence increased by 148% between 1990 and 2019.
Plastics have been in use for the last 70 years or so co-coinciding with increased disease incidence. Parkinsonism rates have doubled in the last few decades ruling our genetics, and greater accumulation of microplastics and nanoplastics in the decedent brains with documented dementia diagnosis (1)
The main sources of nano-plastic exposure for humans are via ingestion (eating and drinking), inhalation (breathing), and dermal contact (skin absorption), via
- hard food plastic containers
- plastic wrappings for food
- foam cups carrying hot liquid
- heating a plastic container for cooking
- bottled especially in hot weather
- airborne particles -carpets, upholstery, and clothing
- some personal care products
Eurofins - an educational role
When new tests or methodologies come onto the market, Eurofins help to educate the market running sessions or a series of webinars to help their client fully understand the test and how to interpret the test result. We are not yet screening humans for microplastics but will be in the near future.
Microplastics experts from 6 Eurofins Laboratories are exploring the growing challenges related to microplastics and how advanced analytical solutions can support risk assessment and regulatory compliance.
If you have testing requirements, email sales at your local lab and we will talk to our specialist colleagues in Europe.
Find a local laboratory
Three Rock Road, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin,D18 A4C0, Ireland