articleEnvironmental ResearchMar 7, 2024HYBRID OA

The potential impact of nano- and microplastics on human health: Understanding human health risks.

Wroclaw Medical University

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefpubmed

Abstract

Plastics are used all over the world. Unfortunately, due to limited biodegradation, plastics cause a significant level of environmental pollution. The smallest recognized to date are termed nanoplastics (1 nm [nm] up to 1 μm [μm]) and microplastics (1 μm-5 mm). These nano- and microplastics can enter the human body through the respiratory system via inhalation, the digestive tract via consumption of contaminated food and water, or penetration through the skin via cosmetics and clothes contact. Bioaccumulation of plastics in the human body can potentially lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory disorders like lung cancer, asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, neurological symptoms such as…

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Authors

3

Topics & keywords

Keywords
  • Microplastics
  • Human health
  • Bioaccumulation
  • Environmental health
  • Medicine
  • Food chain
  • Biology
  • Ecology
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