Emenike Ebuka Chizitere, Okorie Chika J, Ojeyemi Toluwalase, Egbemhenghe Abel, Iwuozor Kingsley O, Saliu Oluwaseyi D, Okoro Hussein K, Adeniyi Adewale George
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria.
Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, USA.
Heliyon. 2023 Sep 26;9(10):e20440. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20440. eCollection 2023 Oct.
Microplastics, measuring less than 5 mm in diameter, are now found in various environmental media, including soil, water, and air, and have infiltrated the food chain, ultimately becoming a part of the human diet. This study offers a comprehensive examination of the intricate nexus between microplastics and human health, thereby contributing to the existing knowledge on the subject. Sources of microplastics, including microfibers from textiles, personal care products, and wastewater treatment plants, among others, were assessed. The study meticulously examined the diverse routes of microplastic exposure-ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact-offering insights into the associated health risks. Notably, ingestion of microplastics has been linked to gastrointestinal disturbances, endocrine disruption, and the potential transmission of pathogenic bacteria. Inhalation of airborne microplastics emerges as a critical concern, with possible implications for respiratory and cardiovascular health. Dermal contact, although less explored, raises the prospect of skin irritation and allergic reactions. The impacts of COVID-19 on microplastic pollution were also highlighted. Throughout the manuscript, the need for a deeper mechanistic understanding of microplastic interactions with human systems is emphasized, underscoring the urgency for further research and public awareness.
直径小于5毫米的微塑料如今在包括土壤、水和空气在内的各种环境介质中都有发现，并已渗透到食物链中，最终成为人类饮食的一部分。本研究全面审视了微塑料与人类健康之间的复杂联系，从而为该主题的现有知识做出贡献。评估了微塑料的来源，包括来自纺织品、个人护理产品和污水处理厂等的微纤维。该研究细致地考察了微塑料暴露的多种途径——摄入、吸入和皮肤接触——从而深入了解相关的健康风险。值得注意的是，摄入微塑料与胃肠道紊乱、内分泌干扰以及病原菌的潜在传播有关。吸入空气中的微塑料成为一个关键问题，可能对呼吸和心血管健康产生影响。皮肤接触虽然研究较少，但也引发了皮肤刺激和过敏反应的可能性。还强调了新冠疫情对微塑料污染的影响。在整个手稿中，强调了对微塑料与人体系统相互作用进行更深入机理理解的必要性，突显了进一步研究和提高公众意识的紧迫性。
