BPOM: Global Lab Interconnection Key to Tackling Microplastic Health Threats

The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) has stated that globally interconnected, high-quality laboratories and continuous innovation are crucial for tackling health challenges and overseeing food and drugs in the current era, such as microplastics. BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar said in Jakarta on Monday that microplastics, and even nanoplastics, have an impact on the environment. He added that currently, plastic use is massive, but it is not regulated or prepared in such a way, ultimately leading to health problems. Citing a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, he noted that atherosclerosis—the narrowing or hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup on blood vessel walls—was found to be triggered by microplastics. “The problem is how these microplastics can enter our vascular system. We do not know at present, but it may be because nanoparticles from these microplastics enter the blood, then get stuck and injure the endothelial system in our vascular system,” he said at ‘The Laboratory Future: Sustainability in Innovation and Operations’ event. He therefore stated that innovation, good laboratory quality, and intercontinental connections are important to advance supervision and scientific development, ensuring the government can protect the public. “Not to mention the issue of drugs, especially narcotic particles,” he said. In many incidents in Indonesia, he noted, there are a great many illegal drugs. To combat this, he said, good laboratories are needed to develop drug safety parameters. “Not just in Indonesia. On any continent, we need specific tools, specific facilities, and specific laboratories to test many things quickly,” Taruna said. According to him, by developing global laboratory interconnection, patient safety worldwide can also be improved. Therefore, his agency is also cooperating with partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to develop laboratories in Indonesia so they are ready to face future challenges.