🌍 Beyond Pollution: Plastic’s Invasion of Human Health

At the end of last month, the Knowledge Impact Network hosted another powerful Lightning Talks session bringing together researchers, innovators, and global stakeholders committed to solving a crisis few fully understand: the presence of micro- and nanoplastics in the human body, soil, and water.

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We explored:

- The health risks of plastic particulate - linked to cancer, stroke, dementia, and more

- Startling statistics: 240,000+ microplastics in a single liter of bottled water

- Scalable innovations to remove plastic from our bodies and environment

- The call to create a Plastic Removal Global Fund to match solutions with investment

- A united front of philanthropy, government, and business to fund proven solutions

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Our Lightning Talks also revealed breakthrough findings — from detecting plastic particles as small as 16 nanometers in bottled water and even cerebrospinal fluid, to uncovering deep-ocean nanoplastics at staggering concentrations, to showing how these particles penetrate skin, disrupt cells, and impact health. Solutions in development include advanced water and laundry filtration, magnetic particle removal, and natural binders to reduce ingestion.

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This conversation took place ahead of the upcoming international treaty negotiations on plastic pollution in Geneva. The message is clear: We must act now. Plastic is no longer just a waste issue - it’s a public health emergency.

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💥 The time has come to invest in solutions. To raise awareness. To demand change.

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📅 Next up: We’ll convene again during UN General Assembly Week (Sept 24, NYC) to build momentum with global health leaders. Stay tuned for the invite!