Microplastics is now on the Consumer Product Safety agenda
3 minute read
From this week, microplastics and the risks to human health is on the global consumer product safety agenda. In International Product Safety Week 2026, held in Brussels, Belgium, participants will hear why microplastic exposure from everyday products is a growing concern.
The International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organisation (ICPHSO), International Symposium 2026 features a session outlining the microplastics challenge.
Micro and nano plastics (MNPs) exposure is a rapidly emerging risk. It is a threat to consumer health like no other and an issue that will impact many areas of business.
While scientists say the health consequences require more research to fully establish the direct cause, there’s more than enough evidence to take precautionary action. And enough consumer and government concern for businesses to take action.
Fortunately, available from this week is a supply chain training resource
(Read on…)
The hazards
MNPs enter the human body by ingestion, inhalation and absorption. The microscopic particles don’t all pass through the digestive system – they can be bio-cumulative – and may both cause and exacerbate illnesses. The may present a threat to heart, respiratory, reproductive health, dementia, obesity, the endocrine system, cancer, and more.
Most publicity so far has been on food and drink related exposure, through packaging and cooking – many people are aware of the risks of plastic kettles, non-stick cookware and microwave containers. But, there’s many others.
Non-food MNP product sources include synthetic apparel (which is more than 60% of the apparel market), fluffy blankets, soft toys, leave-on cosmetics, baby bottle teats, wipes (of which the market supplies myriad varieties), paints, pacifiers, nappies and glues (which all have specific research that shows exposure) but there’s many many more products with potential risk.
Babies, children and women are particularly at risk.
The Australia-based global website I’m Plastic Free has very good and well-researched information, including a checklist of products that pose potential MNP exposure.
No longer just an environmental issue
Until recently microplastics has mostly been considered an environmental issue – in our water, air and food chain. Now consumer product designers, manufacturers, importers and retailers need to turn their minds to this as a health and safety issue.
As I wrote in my previous post, this could be a product safety game changer. The scale of the risk is unprecedented, given the pervasive use of plastics throughout the consumer product market.
Changes to product design and materials will be necessary. Product retailers and other suppliers need to plan now for reviewing their range and sourcing alternative products.
An Australian Senate Enquiry into both the health implications of MNPs (& Plastic Associated Chemicals) and the need for consumer education reported in May this year. It concluded that precautionary action is justified, noting that uncertainty is no reason for inaction. It recommended consumer education, and this itself will drive market demand for lower risk products.
“Businesses that communicate credibly about their microplastic footprints and align marketing practices with actual reduction commitments will be better placed to build durable brand equity. Those that do not face mounting reputational and litigation risk as awareness deepens and disclosure expectations tighten.
The question is not whether supply chains including plastics will change but how quickly, and who will lead it.” Professor Martina Linnenluecke, University of Technology Sydney, Centre for Climate Risk and Resilience
New guidance for suppliers
For companies in the supply chain, global plastics hub I’m Plastic Free is about to release a series of training modules on microplastics exposure from consumer products. I worked with the platform’s passionate founder and managing director, Simona Paganetto, to develop this online resource.
These modules will guide designers, manufacturers, importers, retailers, and other stakeholders, to assess and review their product range for potential MNP hazards.
Further information
There’s a lot to get your head around. The following list contains links to various online information sources, to take in when you’re ready (provided here with no promise of accuracy or reliability).
New information is happening all the time and it will be important for product businesses to stay informed as their customers become more aware.
Consumer reports (USA) article What’s the Difference Among Microplastics, Phthalates, BPA, and PFAS?
National Geographic explainer video
I’m Plastic Free Series of blog articles on Microplastics and Human Health
CBS video Microplastics and their impact on the human body
Science Alert article on test evidence
Nutrition Made Simple video The Internet has Lied to You About Microplastics (Doctor Reveals)
Dr Alex video Microplastics are in your brain: Should you be worried?
University of Technology Sydney white paper Microplastics – Preparing for Australia’s next regulatory shift. How businesses can lead on prevention, innovation and behaviour change
BBC Future article: How do the Microplastics in our Bodies affect our Health
Nature journal article Release of nanoplastic from polypropylene kettles
