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Human and ecological health effects of nanoplastics: May not be a tiny problem
Citation:
Hughes, M., H. Clapper, R. Burgess, AND K. Ho. Human and ecological health effects of nanoplastics: May not be a tiny problem. Current Opinion in Toxicology. Elsevier BV, AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, 28:43-48, (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cotox.2021.09.004
Impact/Purpose:
Nanoplastics are an emerging issue because of the recent recognition that plastic pollution is pervasive and that larger sized plastics degrade over time in the environment to smaller sized particles. Nanoplastics are in the range of particles that can be absorbed by cells. However, there is very little knowledge of the potential adverse effects of nanoplastics in humans and ecological species. Those with an interest in plastic pollution would be interested in this review as it is brief but provides a listing of recent and relevant publications.
Description:
Nanoplastics (NPs) are present in food, soil, water, air, and personal care products, resulting in concern regarding exposure and potential adverse effects. NPs principally arise from the degradation of larger-sized plastic particles. The uptake and effects of NPs in humans are not yet known. However, recent laboratory studies have documented the uptake and adverse effects of NPs from the cellular to the community level. As NPs are in the size range of particles that can be absorbed by cells, research on these materials should be accelerated to properly assess their potential risks.
