COMEAP Statement on airborne nano- and microplastic particles and fibres, and associated Synthesis and Integration of Epidemiological and Toxicological Evidence (SETE) assessment

For Information: COMEAP Statement on airborne nano- and microplastic particles and fibres, and associated Synthesis and Integration of Epidemiological and Toxicological Evidence (SETE) assessment

1.             The COT has considered microplastics on a number of occasions and has published the following documents:

a.    Overarching statement on the potential risks from exposure to microplastics (2021)

b.    Sub-statement on the potential risk(s) from exposure to microplastics: Oral route (2021)

c.    Sub-statement on the potential risk(s) from exposure to microplastics: Inhalation route (2024)

2.             In October 2025, the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) published its statement on airborne nano- and microplastic particles and fibres. This statement is attached in Annex 1.

3.             As part of this consideration by COMEAP, the Committee adapted the approach proposed by the Joint COT and COC Synthesis and Integration of Epidemiological and Toxicological Evidence (SETE) subgroup, to evaluate the potential risks from nano- and microplastics in air at levels of environmental exposure. COT members will be interested to see use of the SETE approach by another group.

Secretariat

November 2025

TOX/2025/49 Annex 1

COMEAP statement and SETE assessments for nano- and microplastic air pollutants, and traffic related air pollution

These papers are attached for Members. They are not reproduced here for copyright reasons, they can be obtained from the COMEAP website: COMEAP: Statement on airborne nano- and microplastic particles and fibres - GOV.UK

Secretariat

November 2025