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Maternal & Foetal Exposure Model

Assess MNP exposure to a developing foetus during pregnancy.

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Scientific Modelling Approach

1. Exposure Context

Select which reference exposure matrices apply to each exposure route. Each matrix defines the mixture of MNP types (polymer, size, morphology, and fractional abundance) that the model uses to compute composition-weighted dose and hazard scores. Matrices are loaded from the database — change a matrix composition in the database and the next simulation run automatically picks it up.

Inhalation Matrix

Source: [Zhang et al. 2021; Vianello et al. 2019] Select a matrix to see its description.

Drinking Water Matrix

Source: [Danopoulos et al. 2020] Select a matrix to see its description.

Dietary Matrix

Source: [Cox et al. 2019] Select a matrix to see its description.

Combined Particle Size Distribution (all matrices)

Ultrafine Nano (1–50 nm)
Fine Nano (50–100 nm)
Submicron (100–1000 nm)
Fine Micro (1–10 µm)
Coarse Micro (10–100+ µm)
Select matrices above to see the combined size distribution.
Show matrix composition details »
Matrix Particle Polymer Size Category Morphology Fraction
2. Target Population Kinetics

Maternal/Foetal Vulnerability

Source: [Vethaak & Legler 2021 - Translocation potential]

A compromised gut barrier (e.g., from IBD) can amplify the fraction of particles that successfully enter the blood.

3. Ingestion Pathways

The matrices selected above define the composition of particle types (polymer, size, morphology). The fields below define the exposure level — the total amount of each contaminated medium you encounter. These are independent: a matrix (e.g. housedust) can be lightly or heavily contaminated while keeping the same particle-type mixture. The total particle count per route is computed as: Intake × Concentration, which the matrix then splits across particle types.

Water Concentration (C_water) [p/L]

Source: [Danopoulos et al. 2020]

Water Intake (IR_water) [L/day]

Source: [WHO Water Intake Guidelines]

Dietary MNP Load [particles/day]

Source: [Cox et al. 2019]
4. Inhalation & Mucociliary Clearance

Indoor Dust Conc. (C_dust) [p/m³]

Source: [Vianello et al. 2019]

Breathing Rate (IR_breath) [m³/hr]

Source: [EPA, Adult resting/light activity]

Time Indoors (Hours_in) [hr/day]

Source: [Klepeis et al. 2001 - NHAPS]
5. Translocation & Placental Transfer

Placental Transfer Index (PTI)

A fixed, theoretical ratio of the maternal dose that reaches the foetus.

6. Hazard Characterisation

Polymer & Chemical Toxicity

Source: [Christopher et al. 2024]

The particle size and morphology composition of the selected exposure matrices drive the kinetic parameters that govern how external exposure translates into internal dose — specifically airway and lung deposition fractions, as well as placental, gut and pulmonary translocation fractions. These fractions are retrieved from a size- and morphology‑based kinetic lookup table derived from published values (see documentation). Clearance kinetics are not currently modelled; the framework currently assumes that once MNPs enter the systemic circulation they are not cleared. Polymer and chemical toxicity scores [Christopher et al. 2024] combine with automatic size/morphology modifiers to produce the final hazard score.

7. Risk Matrix Options

Exposure Thresholds

Source: [User Defined]

Note on Thresholds

Exposure thresholds are currently arbitrary and user-definable. What constitutes Low, Medium and High in terms of daily particle exposures is to be resolved by scientific consensus.