Prof Melgert participant in Momentum 2.0 (ZonMW)

After her participation in the Momentum consortium (2021), in which Barbro investigated how microfibres affect lung cells, this consortium have received a new ZonMW research grant. Despite the success of the various preceding research projects, there is still a long way to go in this globally new research field. Therefore, ZonMw have funded this Microplastics & Health grant programme (MOMENTUM 2.0), its main goal to arrive at a preliminary risk analysis for human health and to develop pathways towards reducing those risks.

Summary

What happens when microplastics enter the human body? While the amount of microplastics in our environment is increasing, we know very little about the health risks and how to better mitigate them. The Microplastics and Human Health (MOMENTUM) consortium is investigating a number of knowledge gaps, and with a new grant of €3,650,000 from ZonMw it will conduct further research and suggest pathways to prevent potential negative effects on human health. Barbro Melgert and her team from UG/GRIP, a partner in the consortium, will investigate effects of microplastics exposure on lung cells and the immune system in the lung.

Official ZonMW announcement

Consortium website