Measuring Nano/Microplastics in Human Immune Tissue

Funding Year: 2024

Research Areas: Human & Planetary Health

Over 430 million tons of plastic are produced yearly, with a projected growth of about 5% annually. Measuring plastics is complex, akin to assessing the dirt in your yard; you could measure it by weight, area, or its capacity to support your favorite succulent. Similarly, dirt can be defined as sand, soil, clay, etc. This complexity mirrors the challenge of quantifying nano- and microplastics in human tissues, which can consist of various “forever chemicals” conjugated to different dyes, compounds, and other materials. This project unites multiple labs and research groups across Stanford’s campus to advance the ability to detect and measure nano- and microplastics in human tissue. Accurately measuring nano- and microplastics in human tissue is a critical step toward evaluating the potential effects of plastics on human systems, monitoring impacts across the population, and ultimately informing policy and personal choices regarding exposure to plastics.

Learn more about the Human and Planetary Health grant program and other funded projects.

Principal Investigator: 

Kara Meister (Pediatric Otolaryngology/Head Neck Surgery)