Ross Eisenberg, president, America’s Plastic Makers, at the American Chemistry Council (ACC), said recent reporting highlights the need for scientific rigor and careful interpretation in research related to microplastics.
“Recent reporting in The Guardian underscores the importance of scientific scrutiny in studies of microplastics and the need for more careful interpretation so headlines don’t get ahead of the science,” Eisenberg said in a LinkedIn post. “Recent and widely publicized studies are now being reexamined as experts question analytical techniques and the potential for contamination, reminding us that the science in this important field of study is still evolving.”
“America’s Plastic Makers support a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to microplastics research,” said Eisenberg. “Rigorous methodology and broadly accepted research standards are essential for understanding potential impacts of microplastics. Careful interpretation and responsible reporting, alongside continued scientific collaboration, will help ensure the public and policymakers have reliable information as the field advances.”
Eisenberg referenced an investigation in The Guardian examining whether widely reported findings on microplastics in the human body may be overstated.
The Guardian article reported that several scientists are now raising concerns about studies claiming microplastics have been detected throughout the human body, including in organs such as the brain, blood, lungs, and reproductive tissue. Researchers cited issues related to laboratory contamination, inconsistent sampling methods, and limitations in analytical tools used to identify plastic particles.
According to experts quoted in the report, many laboratories lack standardized protocols for preventing airborne plastic contamination during testing, which could lead to false positives. Some scientists noted that common lab materials, clothing fibers, and plastic equipment can unintentionally introduce particles into samples.
The article also highlighted disagreement within the scientific community over the reliability of current detection methods, including spectroscopy techniques that may struggle to distinguish microplastics from other organic or mineral materials at extremely small sizes.
Researchers interviewed by The Guardian said that while plastics are widely present in the environment, the extent to which microplastics accumulate in human tissue, and whether they pose direct health risks, remains uncertain. Several called for improved standards, replication of findings, and more robust peer review before drawing firm conclusions.
America’s Plastic Makers is the plastics advocacy division of the ACC and represents companies involved in the production and innovation of plastic materials in the United States. The organization focuses on advancing manufacturing, supporting recycling and circular economy initiatives, and promoting science-based public policy.
The ACC is a national trade association representing leading chemical manufacturers, processors, and distributors. ACC advocates for policies grounded in scientific research and supports federal and state efforts aimed at improving material sustainability, environmental stewardship, and public health through evidence-based regulation.
