Sources, Degradation, Ingestion and Effects of Microplastics on Humans: A Review

Abstract

Celluloid, the predecessor to plastic, was synthesized in 1869, and due to technological advancements, plastic products appear to be ubiquitous in daily life. The massive production, rampant usage, and inadequate disposal of plastic products have led to severe environmental pollution. Consequently, reducing the employment of plastic has emerged as a pressing concern for governments globally. This review explores microplastics, including their origins, absorption, and harmful effects on the environment and humans. Several methods exist for breaking down plastics, including thermal, mechanical, light, catalytic, and biological processes. Despite these methods, microplastics (MPs, between 1 and 5 mm in size) continue to be produced during degradation. Acknowledging the significant threat that MPs pose to the environment and human health is imperative. This form of pollution is pervasive in the air and food and infiltrates our bodies through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. It is essential to assess the potential hazards that MPs can introduce. There is evidence suggesting that MPs may have negative impacts on different areas of human health. These include the respiratory, gastrointestinal, immune, nervous, and reproductive systems, the liver and organs, the skin, and even the placenta and placental barrier. It is encouraging to see that most of the countries have taken steps to regulate plastic particles. These measures aim to reduce plastic usage, which is essential today. At the same time, this review summarizes the degradation mechanism of plastics, their impact on human health, and plastic reduction policies worldwide. It provides valuable information for future research on MPs and regulatory development.

Multimodal detection and analysis of microplastics in human thrombi from multiple anatomically distinct sites

“… 39 No significant differences were found in the investigated lifestyle habits involving the use of plastic products between participants with and without MPs detected in their thrombi. Considering that MPs have been detected in various foods, including salts, beer, daily drinking water, fishery products, and crop plants, 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 and that they can be released from daily necessities such as toothbrushes, 45 the sources of particle exposure for our participants may vary. It would be helpful to identify the exposure sources in future studies with larger sample sizes and thorough investigations into daily aspects involving the consumption or use of MP-contaminated products.…”

Progress and Prospects of Microplastic Biodegradation Processes and Mechanisms: A Bibliometric Analysis

“…It has been shown that when white blood cells in the human body swallow a certain amount of microplastics, they will die, releasing enzymes and causing inflammation. This then attacks more white blood cells, triggering continuous activation and leading to a variety of inflammatory and respiratory illnesses [38]. Therefore, a series of policies on microplastic control have been issued by various countries, such as the 2019 United Nations (UN) report, "Single-Use Plastics and Microplastic Legal Restrictions", "The Toxic Substances Control Act" of 2020, and "The New Pollutants Management Action Program" enacted by China in 2021, which provide direction and support for microplastic pollution management.…”

Novel decomposition of polycarbonate and effect for marine ecosystem

“…4–6 Drifting plastics were reported accidental entanglements for marine animals, and caused the miss ingestion such as macro to micro/nano-particles for marine biota of whale to plankton has been reported. 7–10…”

“…[4][5][6] Driing plastics were reported accidental entanglements for marine animals, and caused the miss ingestion such as macro to micro/nano-particles for marine biota of whale to plankton has been reported. [7][8][9][10] Since the late 1980s, BPA contaminations have been detected in rivers, lakes and oceans. 11-14 BPA [2,2-bis(4hydroxyphenyl)propane] is material for PC and EPX, commercial production started in 1957 USA.…”