reviewEnvironmental Science & TechnologyMay 22, 2017Closed access

Plastic and Human Health: A Micro Issue?

King's College London

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefpubmed

Abstract

Microplastics are a pollutant of environmental concern. Their presence in food destined for human consumption and in air samples has been reported. Thus, microplastic exposure via diet or inhalation could occur, the human health effects of which are unknown. The current review article draws upon cross-disciplinary scientific literature to discuss and evaluate the potential human health impacts of microplastics and outlines urgent areas for future research. Key literature up to September 2016 relating to accumulation, particle toxicity, and chemical and microbial contaminants was critically examined. Although microplastics and human health is an emerging field, complementary existing fields indicate potential…

Citation impact

3,181
total citations
FWCI
50.77
Percentile
100%
References
164
Citations per year

Authors

2

Topics & keywords

Keywords
  • Microplastics
  • Human health
  • Pollutant
  • Toxicity
  • Environmental science
  • Inhalation exposure
  • Environmental chemistry
  • Environmental health
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