Identification of microplastics in breast tissue
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the presence and biomolecular effect of environmental contaminants on breast tissue biopsies
IRAS ID
340944
Contact name
Mark Wade
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hull
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
As well as genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors, exposure to environmental contaminants are known to increase breast cancer risk. However, in many cases, how these contaminants influence breast cancer development is poorly understood.
Microplastics are small plastic materials that have entered the environment via industrial practices, or have been degraded from plastics used in consumer products. We know microplastics are present in our gut, blood, and can be breathed into the lungs. Microplastics are a potential source of harmful chemicals in our body, as these chemicals can stick to microplastics and then leach off them into the body organs. One group of synthetic environmental toxins, called per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), are known to stick to, and leach from, microplastics; however the role of PFASs in health and disease is not very clear. PFASs are of particular concern as they are heavily used in consumer goods, are thus are widely found in the environment, and have been detected in humans.
This project will therefore determine whether microplastics that can leach PFASs are found in breast tissue.
In this study we will use breast tissue from donors undergoing mastectomy or breast reduction surgery for benign reasons. We will use microspcopy techniques to analyse, for the first time, whether microplastics are present in the breast.
REC name
North East - York Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NE/0139
Date of REC Opinion
6 Aug 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion