Forever particles: histochemistry in the plasticene age

The statement "Plastics define the way we live today" summarizes the findings of the Plastic Europe 2020 final document (https://plasticseurope.org/knowledge-hub/plastics-the-facts-2020/). Sadly, this also means that the plastic waste generated over the next decade is likely to become unmanageable. By 2050, plastic usage is expected to triple, resulting in a similar increase in plastic waste, with approximately half of it ending up in landfills. Emerging research indicates that micro and nanoplastics have been found in various human organs, including the gonads, placenta, blood, arteries, lungs, liver, kidney, and even the brain. This raises significant questions about their pervasive presence within our bodies and their potential threat to health. In addition to their harmful effects, these "forever particles" (micro/nanoplastics) can serve as Trojan horses, transporting additional pollutants such as bacteria and heavy metals into our bodies. In this review, we explore key aspects of the plastics crisis and urge the scientific community -especially those in the fields of cytochemistry and histochemistry, which adeptly connect morphology with function- to investigate the harmful effects of micro and nanoplastics that we encounter daily through ingestion or inhalation. This research should focus on various physiological levels, including DNA, cells, and tissues.