Microplastics

Microplastics Qualifications

ToxStrategies is a multidisciplinary scientific consulting firm that develops innovative, evidence-based solutions to address the scientific, technical, and regulatory challenges facing our clients. We apply sound science to evaluate emerging environmental and human health issues, including the complex and evolving science of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs). Understanding the health and environmental implications of MNPs requires multidisciplinary expertise spanning toxicology, exposure science, information sciences, engineering, and regulatory interpretation. ToxStrategies brings deep experience in these areas, providing transparent, defensible evaluations that integrate traditional toxicological data, environmental monitoring and modeled data, and evidence synthesis frameworks.

Our Capabilities

Systematic literature review

  • MNP literature identification and assessment (ecotoxicological, toxicological, exposure)
  • Critical appraisal of experimental MNP data
  • Reference particle characteristics and reporting criteria
  • Systematic mapping and scoping reviews

Database development

  • Development and maintenance of databases for MNP literature
  • Data visualization and dashboard design
  • Internal tools, institutional memory, and/or public-facing resources

Human health risk assessment

  • Integrate exposure science, toxicology, and epidemiology to characterize human health risks
  • Develop conceptual exposure models of MNP occupational and consumer uses and releases to the environment, fate & transport, and exposure pathways to relevant populations

Ecological risk assessment

  • Ecotoxicity and biodegradation study design and evaluation
  • MNP exposure and hazard assessments
  • Evaluation of plastic additives and polymer degradation products

Regulatory support

  • Industry outreach, regulatory engagement initiatives, and scientific communication
  • Analysis of global regulatory policies and frameworks related to microplastics and polymers that require registration, including initiatives under EFSA, ECHA, and OECD
  • Regulatory criteria for “polymers of low concern” (PLCs)
  • California DTSC Safer Consumer Products

Environmental monitoring & modeling

  • Prepare sampling and analysis plans for environmental and consumer products monitoring
  • Design and evaluate studies of extractables and leachables
  • Critical appraisal of monitoring-data study design, analytical methods, and interpretation
  • Air dispersion modeling (e.g., AERMOD)
  • Regulatory environmental modeling (e.g., E-FAST, ECETOC TRA)

Project Highlights

Case Study #1: MNP Literature Database

Developed a web-based database of hazard and exposure MNP literature for use in human and ecological risk assessment. Compiled literature based on a tailored search strategy and then reviewed it for inclusion and categorized articles for the database, with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to manage the large and growing body of literature. The database is searchable and provides the user with data visualizations based on MNP type, risk assessment topic (i.e., exposure v. hazard), relevant population (human vs. environment), and various study topic and outcome categories.

Case Study #2: Product Stewardship and Regulatory Support

ToxStrategies provides ongoing regulatory and research support related to consumer product uses and materials. We develop research strategies to prepare for and respond to regulatory efforts, including those related to ECHA REACH, EPA TSCA, and DTSC SCP. These are risk- or hazard-based regulatory frameworks that require comprehensive understanding of potential risks to humans and the environment. Examples of regulatory support include assisting with data management, developing risk-based state-of-knowledge assessments and identifying data gaps, and providing public comment and regulatory outreach. ToxStrategies also developed a systematic evidence map regarding the biodegradability of plastic materials used in consumer products, along with data visualization tools to assist with scientific review in the context of business needs.

Case Study #3: Systematic Review of MNP DART Literature

Critical review of 24 mammalian studies reporting reproductive and developmental outcomes, with a particular focus on methodological rigor and risk of bias. Fit-for-purpose aspects of selection, performance, and attrition bias were integrated into the critical appraisal to better understand the potential bias of studies across these domains. This work highlighted the existing limitations in the body of evidence, particularly in relation to internal and construct validity, and details a path forward for investigators to consider in future research.

Case Study #4: Plastic Additives Database

Designed a publicly available database of plastic additives (https://iccadatabase.com). Compiled thousands of chemicals from several global chemical inventories and data sources. This easy-to-use, comprehensive database centralizes state-of-the-art information, including chemical identity, physical/chemical properties, uses, classification & labeling, regulation, and environmental fate & transport hazard properties. The database also includes publicly available risk and hazard assessments.

Case Study #5: Extractable and Leachable Studies

ToxStrategies has designed extraction and leaching studies to characterize substances that are contained in various materials and may release during use and weathering. ToxStrategies uses these studies to quantify human and environmental exposures and potential risks, including evaluating fate & transport of additives throughout the life cycle of a product.

Click here for ToxStrategies’ Microplastics Publications and Presentations