Human Exposure to Microplastics and Its Associated Health Risks

Microplastics are a globally emerging contaminant in the environment, but little is known about the potential risks of microplastics to human health. Possible exposure routes of microplastics to humans include ingestion, inhalation, and dermal penetration, with the last of these needing equal attention as the other two main routes. Evidence showed the presence of microplastics in human-derived biological samples (i.e., excrement, biofluids, and tissues). Most of the toxicological studies of microplastics on humans were based on laboratory rodents and human-derived cells. Energy homeostasis, intestinal microflora, and the reproductive, immune, and nervous systems were regarded as targets of microplastics. The…

• NS
  National Science Foundation
• CU
  City University of Hong Kong

  Award: 22076159
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Award: 22076159
• RG
  Research Grants Council, University Grants Committee

  Award: CityU 1102321
• XU
  Xiamen University
• ST
  Science, Technology and Innovation Commission of Shenzhen Municipality

  Award: JCYJ20210324134000001