Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
6330457 
Journal Article 
Review 
Environmental exposure to microplastics: An overview on possible human health effects 
Prata, JC; da Costa, JP; Lopes, I; Duarte, AC; Rocha-Santos, T 
2020 
1 
Science of the Total Environment
ISSN: 0048-9697
EISSN: 1879-1026 
702 
134455 
English 
31733547 
WOS:000500590700004 
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. 
Microplastics; 0; Index Medicus; Human health risks; Toxicology; Marine litter; Nanoplastics; Humans; Environmental Pollution -- statistics & numerical data; Environmental Exposure -- statistics & numerical data