About the ToMEx Microplastics Toxicity Database
The ToMEx microplastics toxicity database is an open-access and open-source tool. It brings together toxicity data on microplastics for aquatic organisms and human-relevant endpoints. Moreover, the database helps scientists and regulators keep up with fast-growing research on microplastic effects.
Originally, ToMEx appeared in a 2022 peer-reviewed publication led by Leah M. Thornton Hampton. In addition, researchers from the United States, Canada, and Europe contributed to the work.
Notably, the authors described ToMEx as the largest and most detailed open-access microplastics toxicity database available at that time. However, the team built the resource to grow as new studies appeared.
What the ToMEx Microplastics Toxicity Database Contains
In practice, the ToMEx microplastics toxicity database organizes peer-reviewed studies into a clear and consistent format. As a result, users can compare findings more easily across species, particle types, and endpoints.
- Test organisms from marine, freshwater, and human-relevant systems
- Microplastic traits such as size, polymer type, and shape
- Exposure conditions, study designs, and measured biological effects
- Dose–response patterns and observed outcomes
Initially, ToMEx included studies published through the end of 2020. Since then, the database has worked as a living resource. Therefore, new studies can be added at any time. In addition, at least two independent researchers reviewed each study before inclusion.
Applications of the ToMEx Microplastics Toxicity Database
In many cases, researchers use the ToMEx microplastics toxicity database to explore patterns across studies. For example, the database allows rapid analysis of toxicity results across species and particle traits.
- Extraction, analysis, and visualization of toxicity data
- Identification of gaps and understudied organisms or endpoints
- Evaluation of dose levels useful for hazard and risk assessment
- Support for regulatory and management decisions
In addition, ToMEx was created to support California’s effort to develop health-based microplastic thresholds. Moreover, it informed work under California Senate Bills 1422 and 1263. As a result, ToMEx has played an important role in shaping statewide microplastics strategies and monitoring programs.
ToMEx 2.0
In 2025, the team released ToMEx 2.0. Next, the database expanded in size and improved in consistency.
Moreover, ToMEx 2.0 introduced stronger tools for analyzing uncertainty and comparing studies. As a result, the updated database better supports environmental risk assessment needs.
Importantly, data for ToMEx 2.0 were gathered through a collaborative, open invitation event that began in 2023.
Therefore, the database now covers more species, more particle traits, and more effect endpoints. At the same time, it remains fully open-access and community-driven.
Finally, you can learn more about ToMEx through the original ToMEx publication (2022) and the ToMEx 2.0 publication (2025).
Overall, the ToMEx microplastics toxicity database shows how open data and collaboration can improve our understanding of microplastic pollution. Therefore, it remains a key resource for research and decision-making.