Evidence-Based Toxicology

Evidence-based microplastic and nanoplastic toxicology

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) research is a fascinating new area for developing evidence-based responses to a wide range of challenges in conducting useful, reliable toxicological research and responding to evidence with effective policy interventions.

In observational research, measuring levels of MNPs in various matrices presents many interesting detection challenges. In experimental contexts, controlled exposure to MNP reflects, and in some cases accentuates, the difficulties with studying particulates - particularly when MNPs can be acting as a vehicle for other exposures, adding a new dimension to mixture toxicity.

MNP research also presents an interesting case study for the incentive structures around funding, doing, and publishing toxicological research. There are arguably more review papers than should be sustained by the primary literature, and the novelty of findings on an important issue potentially outweighs the need to ensure rigour of methods for producing data.

Issues of incentive structures in research may even be spilling over into research fraud, with worrying anecdotal evidence of image manipulation and other issues potentially being prevalent in MNP toxicology studies, that the toxicology community should perhaps look at in more detail.

Finally, MNPs may also shine a light on how policy-makers can and ought to respond to uncertain evidence of harm. Calls to “follow the science” when the science may be unclear are not necessarily helpful, but withholding action when protective health policy may ultimately prove to be needed may not be a viable option either. Helping policy-makers navigate this space with credible, protective policy responses is important.

Overall, MNPs present a fascinating space in which to publish about a range of issues.

We are inviting submissions on “evidence-based” approaches for researching and responding to the health risks posed by MNPs. This includes:

• Studies that use or develop evidence-based methods for conducting and reporting primary and secondary research into MNPs
• How incentive structures can distort the research ecosystem
• The interface between evidence and decisions
• Research integrity issues being surfaced by MNP publications

Research and expert comment articles that contribute to advancing our understanding of any of the above, or other interesting issues relating to MNP toxicology, are welcome.