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Micro(nano)plastic and Related Chemicals: Emerging Contaminants in Environment, Food and Health Impacts
Summary
This review summarizes recent research on microplastic contamination found in all types of food, from seafood and produce to drinks and packaging, as well as in human blood, heart, placenta, and breast milk. Studies using mammals and human cells suggest microplastics can damage the lungs, kidneys, heart, nervous system, and DNA, though research is complicated by the many variables involved. The review highlights the growing evidence that microplastics and their chemical additives in food represent a real and widespread threat to human health.
Microplastic pollution is a problem of increasing concern in food, and while food safety issues around the world are serious, an increasing number of food safety issues related to microplastics have become the focus of people's attention. The presence of microplastics in food is a worldwide problem, and they are present in all kinds of foods, foods of both animal and plant origin, food additives, drinks, plastic food packaging, and agricultural practices. This can cause problems for both humans and the environment. Microplastics have already been detected in human blood, heart, placenta, and breastmilk, but their effects in humans are not well understood. Studies with mammals and human cells or organoids have given perspective about the potential impact of micro(nano)plastics on human health, which affect the lungs, kidneys, heart, neurological system, and DNA. Additionally, as plastics often contain additives or other substances, the potentially harmful effects of exposure to these substances must also be carefully studied before any conclusions can be drawn. The study of microplastics is very complex as there are many factors to account for, such as differences in particle sizes, constituents, shapes, additives, contaminants, concentrations, etc. This review summarizes the more recent research on the presence of microplastic and other plastic-related chemical pollutants in food and their potential impacts on human health.