Laboratório Integrado de Ciências Morfofuncionais (LICM), Instituto de Sustentabilidade e Biodiversidade (NUPEM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Núcleo Multidisciplinar de Pesquisas em Biologia - NUMPEX-BIO, Campus Duque de Caxias Geraldo Cidade, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Duque de Caxias, Brazil.
J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 2024 May 18;27(4):153-187. doi: 10.1080/10937404.2024.2330962. Epub 2024 Mar 22.
The widespread production and use of plastics have resulted in accumulation of plastic debris in the environment, gradually breaking down into smaller particles over time. Nano-plastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs), defined as particles smaller than 100 nanometers and 5 millimeters, respectively, raise concerns due to their ability to enter the human body through various pathways including ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Various investigators demonstrated that these particles may produce physical and chemical damage to human cells, tissues, and organs, disrupting cellular processes, triggering inflammation and oxidative stress, and impacting hormone and neurotransmitter balance. In addition, micro- and nano-plastics (MNPLs) may carry toxic chemicals and pathogens, exacerbating adverse effects on human health. The magnitude and nature of these effects are not yet fully understood, requiring further research for a comprehensive risk assessment. Nevertheless, evidence available suggests that accumulation of these particles in the environment and potential human uptake are causes for concern. Urgent measures to reduce plastic pollution and limit human exposure to MNPLs are necessary to safeguard human health and the environment. In this review, current knowledge regarding the influence of MNPLs on human health is summarized, including toxicity mechanisms, exposure pathways, and health outcomes across multiple organs. The critical need for additional research is also emphasized to comprehensively assess potential risks posed by degradation of MNPLs on human health and inform strategies for addressing this emerging environmental health challenge. Finally, new research directions are proposed including evaluation of gene regulation associated with MNPLs exposure.
塑料的广泛生产和使用导致了环境中塑料碎片的积累，这些碎片随着时间的推移逐渐分解成更小的颗粒。纳米塑料（NPs）和微塑料（MPs）分别定义为小于 100 纳米和 5 毫米的颗粒，由于它们能够通过摄入、吸入和皮肤接触等多种途径进入人体，因此引起了人们的关注。各种研究人员表明，这些颗粒可能会对人体细胞、组织和器官造成物理和化学损伤，破坏细胞过程，引发炎症和氧化应激，并影响激素和神经递质的平衡。此外，微塑料和纳米塑料（MNPLs）可能携带有毒化学物质和病原体，从而加剧对人体健康的不利影响。这些影响的程度和性质尚不完全清楚，需要进一步研究以进行全面的风险评估。然而，现有证据表明，这些颗粒在环境中的积累以及人类可能的摄入是值得关注的原因。必须采取紧急措施减少塑料污染并限制人类接触 MNPLs，以保护人类健康和环境。在这篇综述中，总结了关于 MNPLs 对人类健康影响的现有知识，包括毒性机制、暴露途径和多个器官的健康结果。还强调了迫切需要开展更多的研究，以全面评估 MNPLs 对人类健康的潜在风险，并为应对这一新兴的环境健康挑战提供策略。最后，提出了新的研究方向，包括评估与 MNPLs 暴露相关的基因调控。
