Microplastics are ubiquitous environmental contaminants leading to inevitable human exposure. Even so, little is known about the effects of microplastics in human health. Thus, in this work we review the evidence for potential negative effects of microplastics in the human body, focusing on pathways of exposure and toxicity. Exposure may occur by ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact due to the presence of microplastics in products, foodstuff and air. In all biological systems, microplastic exposure may cause particle toxicity, with oxidative stress, inflammatory lesions and increased uptake or translocation. The inability of the immune system to remove synthetic particles may lead to chronic inflammation and increase risk of neoplasia. Furthermore, microplastics may release their constituents, adsorbed contaminants and pathogenic organisms. Nonetheless, knowledge on microplastic toxicity is still limited and largely influenced by exposure concentration, particle properties, adsorbed contaminants, tissues involved and individual susceptibility, requiring further research.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134455 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Microplastics in the bloodstream can induce cerebral thrombosis by causing cell obstruction and lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities.
Sci Adv
January 2025
State Key Laboratory of Environment Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China.
Human health is being threatened by environmental microplastic (MP) pollution. MPs were detected in the bloodstream and multiple tissues of humans, disrupting the regular physiological processes of organs. Nanoscale plastics can breach the blood-brain barrier, leading to neurotoxic effects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEmamectin Benzoate and Microplastics Led to Skeletal Muscle Atrophy in Common Carp via Induced Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Protein Synthesis and Degradation Imbalance.
J Agric Food Chem
January 2025
College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P.R. China.
Pesticides and plastics have brought convenience to agricultural production and daily life, but they have also led to environmental pollution through residual chemicals. Emamectin benzoate (EMB) is among the most widely used insecticides, which can cause environmental pollution and harm the health of organisms. Additionally, microplastics (MPs), a relatively new type of pollutant, not only are increasing in residual amounts within water bodies and aquatic organisms but also exacerbate pollution by adsorbing other pollutants, leading to a mixed pollution scenario.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe gut microbiota: A key player in cadmium toxicity - implications for disease, interventions, and combined toxicant exposures.
J Trace Elem Med Biol
November 2024
Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address:
Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal contaminant found in soil and water due to human activities such as mining and industrial discharge. Cd can accumulate in the body, leading to various health risks such as organ injuries, osteoporosis, renal dysfunction, Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), reproductive diseases, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. The gut is particularly sensitive to Cd toxicity as it acts as the primary barrier against orally ingested Cd.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPlastics in dermatology: A review and solutions.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol
January 2025
Arbeitsgemeinschaft Nachhaltigkeit in der Dermatologie (AGN) e.V., Freiburg, Germany.
Hazards to human and planetary health are present at every stage of the plastic life cycle, yet plastic production is projected to triple by 2060. This review focuses on three key areas: the life cycle of plastic, the impact of microplastics and their associated chemicals, along with recommendations to reduce plastic use. In dermatology, micro- and nanoplastics are especially problematic as they are present in over 90% of personal care products.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCPT1 deficiency blocks autophagic flux to promote lipid accumulation induced by co-exposure to polystyrene microplastic and cadmium.
Front Pharmacol
January 2025
College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
Introduction: Cadmium (Cd) and polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs), two ubiquitous environmental contaminants, produce unique synergistic toxicity when co-existing. Key unanswered questions include specific effects on liver function and potential mechanisms.
Methods: In this study, C57BL/6 mice and AML12 cells were used to establish and models to elucidate the effects of combined exposure to PS-MPs and Cd on the liver and their mechanisms.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!