Microplastics effects on human health: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
OAbot (talk | contribs)
Bots
421,436 edits
m Open access bot: hdl updated in citation with #oabot.
Tags: Reverted Visual edit
Line 41: Line 41:


== Epidemiological studies ==
== Epidemiological studies ==
Epidemiological implications of microplastics are being widely researched. It has been found that microplastics do have several impacts on human cells at levels that are currently found in our environment. Studies have proven cytotoxicity from microplastics, meaning microplastics cause cell damage or death. There have also been cases of cell shape irregularity and immunity changes. More research is being done to further determine the specific toxicity characteristics of microplastics in humans. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Danopoulos |first=Evangelos |date=Science Direct |title=A rapid review and meta-regression analyses of the toxicological impacts of microplastic exposure in human cells |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304389421028302?casa_token=MnLEgzlq5QUAAAAA:X06p_WmgDKyx7S2jdWD5WffUDm53LV6x_Y0-Ws7MoZaZCdRKZw6jlRCxsUH0xpRWPjNfWwRJpA |archive-date=2022}}</ref>
Despite growing concern and evidence, epidemiological studies directly linking microplastics to adverse health effects in humans remain yet limited and research is ongoing to determine the full extent of potential harm caused by microplastics and their long-term impact on human health.

Moreover, microplastics not only pose a threat to human health but also to the broader ecosystem. These tiny plastic particles, less than 5mm in size, have been detected in various environmental compartments, including water, soil, and air. Once ingested or inhaled, microplastics can accumulate in human tissues and organs, potentially leading to long-term health effects. Recent studies have highlighted the ability of microplastics to act as carriers for harmful chemicals and pathogens, further exacerbating their impact on human health. As researchers delve deeper into this issue, there is a growing consensus on the urgent need for effective mitigation strategies to minimize the health risks associated with microplastic exposure.

Future research can be used to further determine what impacts on cells are likely to become more prevalent. Microplastic toxicity has been previously linked to an increase in cancer risk. It was found that PHE derivatives post the more severe risk <ref>{{Cite web |last=Hu |first=Xiaojie |date=2022 |title=Microplastics-sorbed phenanthrene and its derivatives are highly bioaccessible and may induce human cancer risks |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412022003865}}</ref>. Microplastics pose a serious threat to human cancer as well as other potential health risks in animals.


== Clinical studies ==
== Clinical studies ==

Revision as of 12:35, 22 April 2024

Humans are exposed to toxic chemicals and microplastics at all stages in the plastics life cycle

Microplastics effects on human health are a subject of growing concern and an area of research. The tiny particles known as microplastics (MPs), have been found in various environmental and biological matrices, including air, water, food, and human tissues. Microplastics, defined as plastic fragments smaller than 5 mm, and even smaller particles such as nanoplastics (NP), particles smaller than 1000 nm in diameter (0.001 mm or 1 μm), have raised concerns impacting human health.[1] In scientific literature, combined microplastics and nanoplastics are referred to as MNPs or NMPs or NMPPs for nano-and microplastic particles.

Routes of exposure

The major routes of human exposure are ingestion from contaminated food and water, inhalation of airborne particles, and contact.

Ingestion can be direct or indirect. Direct ingestion includes drinking water[2][3], beer[4], honey and sugar[5], table salt[6][7], and indoor airborne particulates falling on open meals[8][9]. Indirect ingestion includes toothpaste, face wash, scrubs[10][11], and soap[12][13].

Contact exposure is skin penetration through pores as the skin interacts with MNP-contaminated media such as soil or water[14][15][16].

Inhalation is indoor and outdoor airborne entry into the respiratory system[8][17][18]. The inhalation route has a high potential for exposure, particularly in industrial and occupational settings.

Microplastics per square meter in the EU sewage sludge (2015–2019)[19]

Potential health risks

One of many routes humans are exposed to microplastics is via dermal contact which allows MPs penetration through skin pores[20]

The potential health impacts of microplastics vary based on factors, such as their particle sizes, shape, exposure time, chemical composition (enriched with heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), etc.), surface properties, and associated contaminants.[21][22] Experimental and observational studies in mammals have suggested that microplastics and nanoplastics exposure may have adverse effects on human health, such as:

Laboratory investigations demonstrate that microplastics can damage human cells, triggering allergic reactions and cell death.[40] MPs may also disrupt hormone function, potentially contributing to weight gain.[41][42]

Epidemiological studies

Epidemiological implications of microplastics are being widely researched. It has been found that microplastics do have several impacts on human cells at levels that are currently found in our environment. Studies have proven cytotoxicity from microplastics, meaning microplastics cause cell damage or death. There have also been cases of cell shape irregularity and immunity changes. More research is being done to further determine the specific toxicity characteristics of microplastics in humans. [43]

Moreover, microplastics not only pose a threat to human health but also to the broader ecosystem. These tiny plastic particles, less than 5mm in size, have been detected in various environmental compartments, including water, soil, and air. Once ingested or inhaled, microplastics can accumulate in human tissues and organs, potentially leading to long-term health effects. Recent studies have highlighted the ability of microplastics to act as carriers for harmful chemicals and pathogens, further exacerbating their impact on human health. As researchers delve deeper into this issue, there is a growing consensus on the urgent need for effective mitigation strategies to minimize the health risks associated with microplastic exposure.

Future research can be used to further determine what impacts on cells are likely to become more prevalent. Microplastic toxicity has been previously linked to an increase in cancer risk. It was found that PHE derivatives post the more severe risk [44]. Microplastics pose a serious threat to human cancer as well as other potential health risks in animals.

Clinical studies

In a cohort study involving 304 patients who were undergoing carotid endarterectomy for asymptomatic carotid artery disease in 3 Italian hospitals, polyethylene was detected in carotid artery plaque of 150 patients (58.4%) with a mean level of 21.7±24.5 μg per milligram of plaque; 31 patients (12.1%) also had measurable amounts of polyvinyl chloride, with a mean level of 5.2±2.4 μg per milligram of plaque. Those with carotid artery plaque in which MNPs were detected had a higher risk of a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death from any cause at 34 months of follow-up than those in whom MNPs were not detected.[45]

See also

References

  1. ^ Amobonye, Ayodeji; Bhagwat, Prashant; Raveendran, Sindhu; Singh, Suren; Pillai, Santhosh (2021-12-15). "Environmental Impacts of Microplastics and Nanoplastics: A Current Overview". Frontiers in Microbiology. 12: 768297. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2021.768297. ISSN 1664-302X. PMC 8714882. PMID 34975796.
  2. ^ "World Health Organization (WHO). Information sheet: Microplastics in drinking-water". World Health Organization (WHO). Information sheet: Microplastics in drinking-water.
  3. ^ Mintenig, S.M.; Löder, M.G.J.; Primpke, S.; Gerdts, G. (January 2019). "Low numbers of microplastics detected in drinking water from ground water sources". Science of The Total Environment. 648: 631–635. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.178. ISSN 0048-9697.
  4. ^ Liebezeit, Gerd; Liebezeit, Elisabeth (2014-09-02). "Synthetic particles as contaminants in German beers". Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A. 31 (9): 1574–1578. doi:10.1080/19440049.2014.945099. ISSN 1944-0049.
  5. ^ Liebezeit, Gerd; Liebezeit, Elisabeth (December 2013). "Non-pollen particulates in honey and sugar". Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A. 30 (12): 2136–2140. doi:10.1080/19440049.2013.843025. ISSN 1944-0049.
  6. ^ Yang, Dongqi; Shi, Huahong; Li, Lan; Li, Jiana; Jabeen, Khalida; Kolandhasamy, Prabhu (2015-11-17). "Microplastic Pollution in Table Salts from China". Environmental Science & Technology. 49 (22): 13622–13627. doi:10.1021/acs.est.5b03163. ISSN 0013-936X.
  7. ^ Iñiguez, Maria E.; Conesa, Juan A.; Fullana, Andres (2017-08-17). "Microplastics in Spanish Table Salt". Scientific Reports. 7 (1): 8620. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-09128-x. ISSN 2045-2322. PMC 5561224. PMID 28819264.
  8. ^ a b Enyoh, Christian Ebere; Verla, Andrew Wirnkor; Verla, Evelyn Ngozi; Ibe, Francis Chizoruo; Amaobi, Collins Emeka (November 2019). "Airborne microplastics: a review study on method for analysis, occurrence, movement and risks". Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 191 (11). doi:10.1007/s10661-019-7842-0. ISSN 0167-6369.
  9. ^ Catarino, Ana I.; Macchia, Valeria; Sanderson, William G.; Thompson, Richard C.; Henry, Theodore B. (June 2018). "Low levels of microplastics (MP) in wild mussels indicate that MP ingestion by humans is minimal compared to exposure via household fibres fallout during a meal". Environmental Pollution. 237: 675–684. doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2018.02.069. hdl:10026.1/11254.
  10. ^ Kaur, Banjot (April 30, 2018). "For the first time, study confirms presence of microplastics in Indian cosmetics". downtoearth.org.
  11. ^ Leslie, HA (2014). "Review of microplastics in cosmetics". IVM Institute for Environmental Studies. 476: 1–33.
  12. ^ "Plastic Cosmetics: Are We Polluting the Environment Through our Personal Care?". United Nations Environment Programme.
  13. ^ Anderson, A.G.; Grose, J.; Pahl, S.; Thompson, R.C.; Wyles, K.J. (15 December 2016). "Microplastics in personal care products: Exploring perceptions of environmentalists, beauticians and students". Marine Pollution Bulletin. 113 (1–2): 454–460. doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.10.048. ISSN 0025-326X.
  14. ^ Allen, Steve; Allen, Deonie; Phoenix, Vernon R.; Le Roux, Gaël; Durántez Jiménez, Pilar; Simonneau, Anaëlle; Binet, Stéphane; Galop, Didier (May 2019). "Atmospheric transport and deposition of microplastics in a remote mountain catchment". Nature Geoscience. 12 (5): 339–344. doi:10.1038/s41561-019-0335-5. ISSN 1752-0908.
  15. ^ Dris, Rachid; Gasperi, Johnny; Saad, Mohamed; Mirande, Cécile; Tassin, Bruno (March 2016). "Synthetic fibers in atmospheric fallout: A source of microplastics in the environment?". Marine Pollution Bulletin. 104 (1–2): 290–293. doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.01.006.
  16. ^ Dris, Rachid; Gasperi, Johnny; Saad, Mohamed; Mirande, Cécile; Tassin, Bruno (March 2016). "Synthetic fibers in atmospheric fallout: A source of microplastics in the environment?". Marine Pollution Bulletin. 104 (1–2): 290–293. doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.01.006.
  17. ^ Enyoh Christian Ebere; Verla, Andrew Wirnkor (June 5, 2019). We are breathing Plastic; Don’t Just Look down, Look up. 3rd IMSU World Environment Day International Conference. doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.21027.91680.
  18. ^ Enyoh, Christian Ebere; Shafea, Leila; Verla, Andrew Wirnkor; Verla, Evelyn Ngozi; Qingyue, Wang; Chowdhury, Tanzin; Paredes, Marcel (2020-03-25). "Microplastics Exposure Routes and Toxicity Studies to Ecosystems: An Overview". Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology. 35 (1): e2020004. doi:10.5620/eaht.e2020004. ISSN 2671-9525. PMC 7308665. PMID 32570999.
  19. ^ Lofty, J.; Muhawenimana, V.; Wilson, C. A. M. E.; Ouro, P. (2022-07-01). "Microplastics removal from a primary settler tank in a wastewater treatment plant and estimations of contamination onto European agricultural land via sewage sludge recycling". Environmental Pollution. 304: 119198. Bibcode:2022EPoll.30419198L. doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119198. ISSN 0269-7491. PMID 35341817.
  20. ^ a b Enyoh, Christian Ebere; Shafea, Leila; Verla, Andrew Wirnkor; Verla, Evelyn Ngozi; Qingyue, Wang; Chowdhury, Tanzin; Paredes, Marcel (2020-03-31). "Microplastics Exposure Routes and Toxicity Studies to Ecosystems: An Overview". Environmental Analysis, Health and Toxicology. 35 (1): e2020004. doi:10.5620/eaht.e2020004. ISSN 2671-9525. PMC 7308665. PMID 32570999.
  21. ^ Saeed, Mohammad Sadiq; Fahd, Faisal; Khan, Faisal; Chen, Bing; Sadiq, Rehan (2023-10-15). "Human health risk model for microplastic exposure in the Arctic region". Science of the Total Environment. 895: 165150. Bibcode:2023ScTEn.895p5150S. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165150. ISSN 0048-9697. PMID 37385486. S2CID 259294427.
  22. ^ a b c Banerjee, Amrita; Shelver, Weilin L. (2021-02-10). "Micro- and nanoplastic induced cellular toxicity in mammals: A review". Science of the Total Environment. 755 (Pt 2): 142518. Bibcode:2021ScTEn.755n2518B. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142518. ISSN 0048-9697. PMID 33065507. S2CID 223547902.
  23. ^ a b c Zhao, Bosen; Rehati, Palizhati; Yang, Zhu; Cai, Zongwei; Guo, Caixia; Li, Yanbo (2024-02-20). "The potential toxicity of microplastics on human health". Science of the Total Environment. 912: 168946. Bibcode:2024ScTEn.912p8946Z. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168946. ISSN 0048-9697. PMID 38043812. S2CID 265562120.
  24. ^ Caputi, Sergio; Diomede, Francesca; Lanuti, Paola; Marconi, Guya Diletta; Di Carlo, Piero; Sinjari, Bruna; Trubiani, Oriana (2022-06-24). "Microplastics Affect the Inflammation Pathway in Human Gingival Fibroblasts: A Study in the Adriatic Sea". International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 19 (13): 7782. doi:10.3390/ijerph19137782. ISSN 1661-7827. PMC 9266176. PMID 35805437.
  25. ^ Gaspar, Lauren; Bartman, Sydney; Coppotelli, Giuseppe; Ross, Jaime M. (2023-08-01). "Acute Exposure to Microplastics Induced Changes in Behavior and Inflammation in Young and Old Mice". International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 24 (15): 12308. doi:10.3390/ijms241512308. ISSN 1422-0067. PMC 10418951. PMID 37569681.
  26. ^ a b Hirt, Nell; Body-Malapel, Mathilde (2020-11-12). "Immunotoxicity and intestinal effects of nano- and microplastics: a review of the literature". Particle and Fibre Toxicology. 17 (1): 57. doi:10.1186/s12989-020-00387-7. ISSN 1743-8977. PMC 7661204. PMID 33183327.
  27. ^ Hu, Moyan; Palić, Dušan (2020-10-01). "Micro- and nano-plastics activation of oxidative and inflammatory adverse outcome pathways". Redox Biology. 37: 101620. doi:10.1016/j.redox.2020.101620. ISSN 2213-2317. PMC 7767742. PMID 32863185.
  28. ^ a b c Danopoulos, Evangelos; Twiddy, Maureen; West, Robert; Rotchell, Jeanette M. (2022-04-05). "A rapid review and meta-regression analyses of the toxicological impacts of microplastic exposure in human cells". Journal of Hazardous Materials. 427: 127861. doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127861. ISSN 0304-3894. PMID 34863566. S2CID 244649738.
  29. ^ a b Tagorti, Ghada; Kaya, Bülent (2022-01-01). "Genotoxic effect of microplastics and COVID-19: The hidden threat". Chemosphere. 286 (Pt 3): 131898. Bibcode:2022Chmsp.28631898T. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131898. ISSN 0045-6535. PMID 34411929.
  30. ^ Marfella, Raffaele; et al. (2024). "Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events". New England Journal of Medicine. 390 (10): 900–910. doi:10.1056/nejmoa2309822. PMID 38446676.
  31. ^ Carreón, Tania; Hein, Misty J.; Hanley, Kevin W.; Viet, Susan M.; Ruder, Avima M. (April 2014). "Coronary artery disease and cancer mortality in a cohort of workers exposed to vinyl chloride, carbon disulfide, rotating shift work, and o -toluidine at a chemical manufacturing plant". American Journal of Industrial Medicine. 57 (4): 398–411. doi:10.1002/ajim.22299. ISSN 0271-3586. PMC 4512282. PMID 24464642.
  32. ^ Marfella, Raffaele; et al. (2024). "Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events". New England Journal of Medicine. 390 (10): 900–910. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2309822.
  33. ^ Roursgaard, Martin; Hezareh Rothmann, Monika; Schulte, Juliane; Karadimou, Ioanna; Marinelli, Elena; Møller, Peter (2022-07-06). "Genotoxicity of Particles From Grinded Plastic Items in Caco-2 and HepG2 Cells". Frontiers in Public Health. 10: 906430. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2022.906430. ISSN 2296-2565. PMC 9298925. PMID 35875006.
  34. ^ a b c d e f g Ullah, Sana; Ahmad, Shahid; Guo, Xinle; Ullah, Saleem; Ullah, Sana; Nabi, Ghulam; Wanghe, Kunyuan (2023-01-16). "A review of the endocrine disrupting effects of micro and nano plastic and their associated chemicals in mammals". Frontiers in Endocrinology. 13: 1084236. doi:10.3389/fendo.2022.1084236. ISSN 1664-2392. PMC 9885170. PMID 36726457.
  35. ^ Molina, Elena; Benedé, Sara (2022-06-28). "Is There Evidence of Health Risks From Exposure to Micro- and Nanoplastics in Foods?". Frontiers in Nutrition. 9: 910094. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.910094. ISSN 2296-861X. PMC 9274238. PMID 35836585.
  36. ^ Cortés-Arriagada, Diego; Ortega, Daniela E.; Miranda-Rojas, Sebastián (2023-02-15). "Mechanistic insights into the adsorption of endocrine disruptors onto polystyrene microplastics in water". Environmental Pollution. 319: 121017. Bibcode:2023EPoll.31921017C. doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121017. ISSN 0269-7491. PMID 36610654. S2CID 255502169.
  37. ^ Keller, Maura (2023-04-10). "Tiny Particles, Huge Problems - The Impact of Microplastics". Cancer Wellness. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  38. ^ "Two studies associate microplastic exposure with cancer | Food Packaging Forum". www.foodpackagingforum.org. 2023-10-16. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  39. ^ Shi, Chunzhen; Han, Xiaohong; Guo, Wei; Wu, Qi; Yang, Xiaoxi; Wang, Yuanyuan; Tang, Gang; Wang, Shunhao; Wang, Ziniu; Liu, Yaquan; Li, Min; Lv, Meilin; Guo, Yunhe; Li, Zikang; Li, Junya (2022-06-01). "Disturbed Gut-Liver axis indicating oral exposure to polystyrene microplastic potentially increases the risk of insulin resistance". Environment International. 164: 107273. Bibcode:2022EnInt.16407273S. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2022.107273. ISSN 0160-4120. PMID 35526298.
  40. ^ Carrington, Damian (2021-12-08). "Microplastics cause damage to human cells, study shows". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  41. ^ "Microplastics May Increase Risk for Obesity". Global Environmental Health Newsletter. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  42. ^ Matei, Adrienne (2023-04-07). "Plastics touching our food may be making us gain weight". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  43. ^ Danopoulos, Evangelos (Science Direct). "A rapid review and meta-regression analyses of the toxicological impacts of microplastic exposure in human cells". {{cite web}}: |archive-date= requires |archive-url= (help); Check date values in: |date= and |archive-date= (help)
  44. ^ Hu, Xiaojie (2022). "Microplastics-sorbed phenanthrene and its derivatives are highly bioaccessible and may induce human cancer risks".
  45. ^ Marfella, Raffaele; Prattichizzo, Francesco; Sardu, Celestino; Fulgenzi, Gianluca; Graciotti, Laura; Spadoni, Tatiana; D’Onofrio, Nunzia; Scisciola, Lucia; La Grotta, Rosalba; Frigé, Chiara; Pellegrini, Valeria; Municinò, Maurizio; Siniscalchi, Mario; Spinetti, Fabio; Vigliotti, Gennaro (2024-03-07). "Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events". New England Journal of Medicine. 390 (10): 900–910. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2309822. ISSN 0028-4793. PMID 38446676.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Microplastics_effects_on_human_health&oldid=1220206844"