Microplastics – What do we know today? Consumer protection forum on the topic of microplastics
What it's about:
On 2 December 2025, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) and the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) are hosting a consumer protection forum entitled "Microplastics – What do we know today?". The event will highlight the current state of scientific knowledge and promote the dialogue between experts from the fields of research, society, business and politics. "Research on microplastics has made enormous progress in recent years," says PDshort foroutside lecturer Dr Johannes Pleiner-Duxneuner, Managing Director of AGES. "Nevertheless, there are still gaps in the data that need to be clarified." Current studies detect microplastics in numerous human organs and link them to various diseases – but how reliable are these studies? Are there methodological shortcomings? Are the particles detected really microplastics? According to the current state of scientific knowledge, microplastics pose a relatively low health risk to humans. "Most particles cannot be absorbed or processed by the body, and the amounts that are absorbed are probably too small to cause any harm to health," says the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment President Professor Dr Andreas Hensel. "At the same time, further research is needed – particularly with regard to the exact mechanisms of action of microplastics in the human body." The forum provides a platform for bringing together different perspectives, drawing possible conclusions and addressing concerns among the general public.
More and more studies have detected microplastics in various human tissues and body fluids. Recent External Link:research findings by a team led by Professor Matthew Campen (see programme) from the University of New Mexico show that the concentration of microplastics in liver and brain samples from 2024 was significantly higher than in comparative samples from 2016. Particularly striking was the concentration measured in the brain, which in some cases was up to 30 times higher than in the liver or kidneys. The results of this study are currently the subject of controversial debate in the scientific community. Other studies have found microplastics in human blood, lungs and reproductive organs, among other places.
However, these findings do not yet provide evidence of health effects, as the studies are often based on small samples and/or there are methodological uncertainties in the identification and quantification of microplastics. In addition, previous findings only show correlations, not causal relationships. According to the current state of scientific knowledge, microplastics pose a relatively low health risk to humans. This is because most particles are not bioavailable, and the amount ingested is probably too small to cause any health effects. Nevertheless, further research is needed – in particular to better understand exactly how microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics work in the body. Validated measurement methods for the reliable determination of microplastics and nanoplastics in biological material are also needed.
While the scientific assessment is currently rather reassuring, there are increasing indications of a different perception among the general public: the topic is met with great interest, but in many cases there is little knowledge – rather, concern about health effects is widespread. In addition to aspects of toxicology, entry routes, exposureExposureTo glossary and methodology, this discrepancy between scientific knowledge and public perception will also be a topic of discussion at the Consumer Protection Forum. Against this backdrop, experts from various disciplines will provide insights into the current state of science and highlight areas where further research is needed. In the afternoon, representatives from politics, business and society will share their perspectives and discuss them with participants.
Programme and registration (registration deadline: 25 November 2025):
BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment press conference on 2 December 2025
Before the forum begins, we invite media representatives to a hybrid introductory press conference, which will take place at 9 a.m. in the Press and Visitor Centre of the Federal Press Office (Reichstagufer 14, 10117 Berlin). Here you will have the opportunity to talk to BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment scientists about microplastics and the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment's work on the topic and to obtain further information. Please register by emailing pressestelle@bfr.bund.de.
Further information on microplastics is available on the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment website
Questions and answers on microplastics: facts, research and open questions
External Link:https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/service/frequently-asked-questions/topic/microplastics-facts-research-and-open-questions/
BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment communication, Microplastics in the brain? BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment assesses new study – no evidence of health risks to date
External Link:https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/notification/microplastics-in-the-brain-bfr-evaluates-new-study-so-far-no-evidence-of-health-risks/
BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment podcast, Microplastics: Small particles – big risk (in German)?
External Link:https://podcast.bfr.bund.de/3-mikroplastik-kleine-partikel-grosses-risk-003
About the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) is a scientifically independent institution within the portfolio of the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH). It protects people's health preventively in the fields of public health and veterinary public health. The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment provides advice to the Federal Government as well as the Federal States (‘Laender’) on questions related to food, feed, chemical and product safety. The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment conducts its own research on topics closely related to its assessment tasks.
About AGES
AGES, the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety GmbH, plays an important role as a One Health organisation in protecting the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment. AGES analyses, monitors, assesses, researches and communicates on a wide range of topics, such as pathogens in humans, animals and plants, counterfeit medicines, antibiotic resistance, residues in food, soil and seed testing, and radiation and climate protection.
AGES – Austrian Agency for Health and Nutrition Safety GmbH
Risk Communication Department
Telephone: +43 (0)50 555-25000
Email:presse@ages.at
Website: External Link:https://www.ages.at/en