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Microplastics in the Human Body
Summary
Tiny plastic particles called microplastics get into our bodies through the food we eat, the air we breathe, and even through our skin—and this review of a decade of research shows they've been found in our blood, lungs, reproductive organs, and even the placentas of pregnant women. Scientists are concerned because these particles may trigger cell damage, immune problems, and hormone disruption, though more research is needed to fully understand the risks. The good news: researchers are exploring solutions, from better regulations to new technologies that break down plastic waste before it becomes a problem.
Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as significant anthropogenic particle contaminants, swiftly garnering increasing scientific and popular interest. This chapter delineates the primary pathways of human exposure to MPs, predominantly via oral ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption, while examining their toxicity mechanisms and strategies for mitigation. Integrating findings from a decade of scholarly articles captures the current knowledge landscape across air, water, and soil and their subsequent accumulation in various human tissues, including the circulatory, respiratory, reproductive, and placental systems. A central focus of the chapter lies in the toxicological pathways associated with MP exposure, notably those linked to oxidative stress, immunological disturbances, metabolic alterations, and neurotoxicity. Beyond biological implications, the discussion extends to the environmental origins of MPs, atmospheric transmission processes, and their cascading effects on ecological networks and food webs. In addressing potential solutions, this chapter reviews innovative mitigation strategies, ranging from global regulatory frameworks and sustainable material alternatives to technological interventions such as pyrolysis and microbial biodegradation. The need for harmonized transnational cooperation is essential for crafting adequate responses to the health and ecological threats posed by MP pollution. Keywords: Microplastics, Human exposure, Toxicity pathways, Oxidative stress, Atmospheric transmission