Epigenetics of Microplastics

This research paper highlights the Epigenetics of Microplastics. The paper covers an introduction to microplastics and a few research papers that show the effects of MNPs on animals and humans. Through this study I have speculated on the potential harmful effects of MPs on humans in the future. One thing that is often overlooked is that MNPs have the potential to alter animal and mammal genes. I have talked about a few studies that show this type of alteration of genes and enzymes due to long term and short term exposure to microplastics. MPs have shown to affect the liver and brain the most, which is dangerous because they are both vital organs. Lots of evidence has also been found on Microplastics affecting the male reproductive system, specifically the spermatogenesis in mice and potentially humans. MPs have already been found in our soil, water and food so we are already being exposed to MNPs without even realizing it. While all MNPs are not absorbed by our body, they can still cause harm because of their property to absorb toxic chemicals from their surroundings. MPs have absorbed BPAs, Phthalates, Heavy metals and other chemicals that are a health hazard when ingested by humans. These chemicals can cause inflammation, oxidative stress or in extreme cases, cancer. I have written about methods by which research is helping accumulate the MNPs in our environment but we are yet to figure out how to get rid of them completely. Some ongoing research suggests that there is a worm that contains enzymes,which could break down plastics into useful materials which can be reused, but nothing has been confirmed yet. In the end, I have discussed a few possible areas for further research that can be done on this topic along with my own findings that I have concluded from this research paper.