We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Human and ecological health effects of nanoplastics: May not be a tiny problem
Summary
This review examined the health effects of nanoplastics in humans and ecosystems, finding that while direct human evidence is limited, nanoplastic particles cross biological barriers more readily than larger fragments and trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine disruption in animal models, suggesting the problem is far from trivial.
Nanoplastics (NPs) are present in food, soil, water, air and personal care products, resulting in concern regarding exposure and potential adverse effects. NPs principally arise from the degradation of larger-sized plastic particles. The uptake and effects of NPs in humans is not yet known. However, recent laboratory studies have documented the uptake and adverse effects of NPs from the cellular to the community level. As NPs are in the size range of particles that can be absorbed by cells, research on these materials should be accelerated to properly assess their potential risks.