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The Relationship Between Microplastics and Nanoplastics with Cancer: An Emerging Health Concern
Summary
This review explores the emerging relationship between micro- and nanoplastic exposure and cancer risk in humans. Researchers summarized evidence suggesting that microplastics can carry carcinogenic substances and may trigger inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways linked to tumor development. The study highlights that while early evidence raises concern, more research is needed to establish clear causal connections between plastic particle exposure and specific cancer types.
There is an increasing apprehension surrounding the potential health implications associated with prolonged exposure to environmental micro- and nano-plastics (MNPLs) on the human population. Microplastics pose significant threats to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, entering water bodies through various pathways and accumulating in sediments. Additionally, they infiltrate terrestrial environments, spreading contamination through air, water, and soil, impacting soil health and potentially entering the food chain. Likewise, humans encounter microplastics through diverse exposure routes. Studies have demonstrated that multiple substances involved in oncogenetic pathways can trigger carcinogenesis in the human body, leading to various cancers such a colorectal, liver, lung, skin, breast, biliary tract, leukemia, and pancreatic cancers. In this review, we examine the literature highlighting this emerging health issue. Keywords: Microplastics, Nanoplastics, Oncogenesis, Cancers