Committee: Community Affairs References Committee
Date referred: 06 November 2025
Submissions close: 06 March 2026
Reporting date: 26 May 2026

Terms of Reference  

The impact of microplastics, toxins and forever chemicals on human health, with particular reference to:

1. the impact of microplastics, toxins and forever chemicals on reproductive health, including:
   1. women's fertility, hormonal disorders, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and premature menopause,
   2. in utero transmission of microplastics and the impact on placental function and foetal development,
   3. maternal health, including impacts on pregnancy outcomes like miscarriage, preterm birth and still birth, and
   4. fertility impacts across all populations, including men's fertility;
2. disruption of key developmental pathways in the first 1,000 days of life that significantly impact later-life health outcomes like obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cognitive function;
3. cardiovascular impacts, including links between microplastic accumulation in arterial plaque and increased risks of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular mortality;
4. links between endocrine disrupters and increased rates of cancer in young people, fertility issues, hormone dysregulation, respiratory diseases, inflammatory conditions and immune system dysfunction;
5. the effectiveness of any education or informative efforts to notify the public of potential harms and prevention opportunities;
6. the potential benefits of a national standard for consumer products;
7. protocols and policies of other countries which have proven to be effective;
8. the adequacy of current research, monitoring and measurement standards for microplastic contamination in Australia; and
9. any other related matter.