Plastics in the environment, carriers of additives and bacteria
It is now estimated that 10% of all plastics produced since their invention have ended their lives in the oceans. They can float on the surface, be present at different depths or even settle on the seabed. At present, the plastics most found in the environment are polyethylene (component of old single-use bags for example), polypropylene (component of plastic food boxes) and polystyrene (often used as a protective device in packaging).
Plastics are composed not only of polymers, but also of a mixture of different additives, which give properties to the plastic: flexibility, rigidity, fire resistance, etc. These additives are potential chemical contaminants. In addition, bacteria that attach to the surface of plastics can themselves be biological contaminants.
ANSES’s work on microplastics
Given their strong presence in rivers, seas and oceans and their impact on aquatic fauna and flora, fishery products and drinking water, microplastics are subjects of study of great importance.
ANSES is therefore carrying out work to assess the quantity and nature of plastic particles in certain foods, as well as the level of exposure and the risk to human health. The Agency is also interested, with scientists from other countries, in harmonizing methods, ie agreeing on common protocols allowing the results obtained in different countries to be compared.
It also analyzes additives present in plastics to estimate consumer exposure levels.
In addition, the Agency contributes to informing the public debate through its expertise, by participating in hearings and working groups (AFNOR, Ministry of Ecology and Solidarity Transition), but also through more general summary reports (in particular for the WHO).
ANSES participates in various research projects on this topic:
- Nanoplasticsan ANR research project, which focuses on improving the means (tools and methods) for identifying the smallest microplastics present in seafood products. ANSES is also trying to find out whether microplastics can release certain additives specific to their conception in food;
- FISHH, a Franco-Dutch project carried out in collaboration with RIVM and NIOZ, which aims to assess the impact of microplastics on human immune cells;
- CPER Framework : the Boulogne-sur-Mer site of the food safety laboratory took part in this regional project, during which several teams carried out collaborative work and created a platform dedicated exclusively to the analysis of microplastics.
Recently, ANSES took part in the “Polymers and Oceans” research group (GDR), which brings together the French-speaking community working on the future of plastics in the aquatic environment with the aim of promoting the emergence of new interdisciplinary research.