Assessment of human dermal exposure to microplastics additive chemicals and the risk arising from such exposure using innovative 3d-human skin equivalents
Dermplast is a multidisciplinary project that combines advanced environmental analytical chemistry with innovative 3D-human skin equivalent models (3D-HSE) to study the dermal absorption of toxic plastic additives (e.g. plasticizers and flame retardants) upon skin contact with microplastics (MPs) and assess the risk arising from such exposure.
Recent studies have revealed direct human exposure to MPs externally and internally, confirmed by detection of MPs in human stool. However, very little is known on the extent of human exposure to MPs via different pathways and the risk it poses to human health. While there is little evidence of adverse effects associated directly with exposure to pristine MPs, there is major concern over potential toxicity from released plastic additives (e.g. plasticizers and flame retardants), many of which have been associated with serious adverse effects including cancer. 
The main hypothesis that Dermplast tests is that MP additive chemicals can leach out into sweat and be absorbed through human skin; thus frequent contact with MPs can lead to significant body burdens of hazardous chemicals, with consequent adverse health impacts. 
This will be achieved using innovative 3D-HSE cultures as sustainable, efficient alternatives to animal/human tissues. The results will be applied to develop an advanced pharmacokinetic exposure model to estimate human uptake of toxic chemicals from dermal contact with MPs and assess the risk against current exposure guidelines and toxic endpoints for these chemicals.
With current research focused mainly on isolation and characterisation of MPs in different matrices (e.g. food, water and air), DermPlast will make substantial advances to the state-of-knowledge by providing novel insight into risk assessment of MPs exposure in humans. This will benefit public health and regulators by providing the essential knowledge base required to inform policies to control human exposure to MPs.