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Plastic Pollution

Plastic Pollution Research: The Evolving Threat of Micro- and Nanoplastics

Plastic pollution is one of the most urgent environmental and public health challenges of our time. While the visible impacts of plastic debris — from entangled marine mammals to damaged coral reefs — are well documented, the most dangerous threat is increasingly what we cannot see: micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs).

At the forefront of this research, Shaw Institute has developed advanced scientific protocols to extract and quantify micro- and nanoplastics directly from human tissues. In response to growing demand from physicians and research institutions across the United States, our work now identifies cerebral micro- and nanoplastics as a potential environmental risk factor for neurodegeneration.

Female scientist in lab with Shaw Institute research partner logos
We collaborate with major research partners to better understand how plastic contamination impacts human health.

Plastics and Human Health Research

Our plastic pollution research has expanded into a new era of cross-disciplinary collaboration, enabled by our largest-ever equipment investment — a state-of-the-art mass spectrometer. This technology allows us to process a critical volume of samples linking plastic exposure to serious human health outcomes.

Current human health research areas include:

  • Microplastics, Inflammation & Disease: In collaboration with leading institutions including NYU, Harvard University, and Arizona State University, we investigate how micro- and nanoplastics contribute to inflammatory responses and diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia.
  • Neurodegeneration & Brain Health: Funded by the Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, this study quantifies micro- and nanoplastics in brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid, examining correlations with Alzheimer’s biomarkers, environmental exposure, and socioeconomic factors.
  • Placenta & Human Tissue Studies: Our early work analyzing more than 90 human placenta samples with NYU has expanded into major NIH research proposals, advancing understanding of early-life plastic exposure.
  • Scientific Workforce Development: This research directly supports workforce development through hands-on training of local high school and college interns, building the next generation of environmental and biomedical scientists.

The “Unseen Plastic” Crisis: PVA Pollution Research

Beyond microplastics, the Shaw Institute is leading critical research into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) — the plastic commonly used in dissolvable laundry pods and detergent sheets and often marketed as “eco-friendly.”

PVA Detergent PodsKey findings and ongoing research include:

  • Biodegradability Failures: Our research demonstrates that approximately 75% of PVA plastic survives wastewater treatment, entering waterways or agricultural land through biosolids.
  • Soil & Crop Safety Studies: In partnership with Woods End Laboratories, we are evaluating whether PVA persists in soil, disrupts soil health, or is absorbed by food crops, raising concerns for food safety.
  • Regulatory & Policy Impact: This work was featured in Time Magazine (2025) and is helping drive regulatory scrutiny and improved transparency around soft plastic labeling and environmental claims.

Other Major Media Coverage of Our PVA Research

Expanding Microplastics Education & Public Engagement

In 2025, the Shaw Institute launched a research-based microplastics education curriculum in response to growing public and academic demand. This three-phase program bridges laboratory science and classroom learning, enabling students to investigate the full lifecycle of plastic pollution in the Gulf of Maine using real research methodologies.

By integrating active research with education, we ensure that scientific discovery informs public understanding, policy, and environmental stewardship.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plastic Pollution Research

Plastic pollution refers to the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, including oceans, freshwater systems, soil, and air. Over time, larger plastics break down into microplastics and nanoplastics, which are now found throughout ecosystems and inside living organisms — including humans.

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, while nanoplastics are even smaller — often invisible to the naked eye. These particles originate from the breakdown of larger plastics, synthetic textiles, packaging, and consumer products, and they can enter the body through food, water, and air.

Emerging research shows that micro- and nanoplastics can cross biological barriers and accumulate in human tissues, including the brain. Studies now suggest links between plastic exposure and inflammation, neurodegeneration, and chronic disease, making this an urgent public health issue.

The Shaw Institute conducts advanced research on:

  • Micro- and nanoplastics in human tissues
  • Links between plastic exposure and neurodegenerative diseases
  • Plastic contamination in placenta, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain tissue
  • Environmental pathways that move plastics from ecosystems into the human body

Yes. Recent studies, including research conducted by the Shaw Institute, have detected micro- and nanoplastics in human brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid. Ongoing research is exploring how these particles may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions.

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a plastic used in dissolvable laundry pods and detergent sheets. Although often marketed as biodegradable, research shows that most PVA does not fully break down in wastewater treatment plants, allowing it to enter waterways, soils, and agricultural systems.

Research led by the Shaw Institute found that approximately 75% of PVA plastic survives wastewater treatment. Current studies are investigating whether PVA persists in soil, affects soil health, or is absorbed by crops — raising concerns about long-term environmental and food safety impacts.

Plastic pollution harms marine life through ingestion, entanglement, and habitat damage. Microplastics are now widespread in fish, shellfish, and plankton, threatening food webs and potentially transferring plastics up the food chain to humans.

Scientific research provides the evidence needed for regulatory action. Shaw Institute findings have been featured in national media and are informing plastic labeling standards, wastewater regulations, and environmental policy discussions related to plastic use and disposal.

Individuals can support plastic pollution research by:

  • Reducing single-use plastics
  • Supporting organizations conducting independent research
  • Participating in educational programs
  • Donating to nonprofit research institutions like the Shaw Institute to advance science-based solutions

Science

Research Staff

Charles Rolsky, Ph.D.
Executive Director & Senior Research Scientist
crolsky@shawinstitute.org