1
|
Maurizi L, Simon-Sánchez L, Vianello A, Nielsen AH, Vollertsen J. Every breath you take: High concentration of breathable microplastics in indoor environments. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142553. [PMID: 38851509 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in the air and their potential impact on human health underscore the pressing need to develop robust methods for quantifying their presence, particularly in the breathable fraction (<5 μm). In this study, Raman micro-spectroscopy (μRaman) was employed to assess the concentration of indoor airborne MPs >1 μm in four indoor environments (a meeting room, a workshop, and two apartments) under different levels of human activity. The indoor airborne MP concentration spanned between 58 and 684 MPs per cubic meter (MP m-3) (median 212 MP m-3, MPs/non-plastic ratio 0-1.6%), depending not only on the type and level of human activity, but also on the surface area and air circulation of the investigated locations. Additionally, we assessed in the same environments the filtration performance of a type IIR surgical facemask, which could overall retain 85.4 ± 3.9% of the MPs. We furthermore estimated a human MP intake from indoor air of 3415 ± 2881 MPs day-1 (mostly poly-amide MPs), which could be decreased to 283 ± 317 MPs day-1 using the surgical facemask. However, for the breathable fraction of MPs (1-5 μm), the efficiency of the surgical mask was reduced to 57.6%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Maurizi
- Department of The Built Environment, Aalborg University, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark.
| | - L Simon-Sánchez
- Department of The Built Environment, Aalborg University, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - A Vianello
- Department of The Built Environment, Aalborg University, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - A H Nielsen
- Department of The Built Environment, Aalborg University, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - J Vollertsen
- Department of The Built Environment, Aalborg University, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bishop CR, Yan K, Nguyen W, Rawle DJ, Tang B, Larcher T, Suhrbier A. Microplastics dysregulate innate immunity in the SARS-CoV-2 infected lung. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1382655. [PMID: 38803494 PMCID: PMC11128561 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1382655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Global microplastic (MP) pollution is now well recognized, with humans and animals consuming and inhaling MPs on a daily basis, with a growing body of concern surrounding the potential impacts on human health. Methods Using a mouse model of mild COVID-19, we describe herein the effects of azide-free 1 μm polystyrene MP beads, co-delivered into lungs with a SARS-CoV-2 omicron BA.5 inoculum. The effect of MPs on the host response to SARS-CoV-2 infection was analysed using histopathology and RNA-Seq at 2 and 6 days post-infection (dpi). Results Although infection reduced clearance of MPs from the lung, virus titres and viral RNA levels were not significantly affected by MPs, and overt MP-associated clinical or histopathological changes were not observed. However, RNA-Seq of infected lungs revealed that MP exposure suppressed innate immune responses at 2 dpi and increased pro-inflammatory signatures at 6 dpi. The cytokine profile at 6 dpi showed a significant correlation with the 'cytokine release syndrome' signature observed in some COVID-19 patients. Discussion The findings are consistent with the recent finding that MPs can inhibit phagocytosis of apoptotic cells via binding of Tim4. They also add to a growing body of literature suggesting that MPs can dysregulate inflammatory processes in specific disease settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cameron R. Bishop
- Inflammation Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kexin Yan
- Inflammation Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Wilson Nguyen
- Inflammation Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel J. Rawle
- Inflammation Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Bing Tang
- Inflammation Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Thibaut Larcher
- Institut National de Recherche Agronomique, Unité Mixte de Recherche, Oniris, Nantes, France
| | - Andreas Suhrbier
- Inflammation Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, Global Virus Network (GVN) Center of Excellence, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Borgatta M, Breider F. Inhalation of Microplastics-A Toxicological Complexity. TOXICS 2024; 12:358. [PMID: 38787137 PMCID: PMC11125820 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Humans are chronically exposed to airborne microplastics (MPs) by inhalation. Various types of polymer particles have been detected in lung samples, which could pose a threat to human health. Inhalation toxicological studies are crucial for assessing the effects of airborne MPs and for exposure-reduction measures. This communication paper addresses important health concerns related to MPs, taking into consideration three levels of complexity, i.e., the particles themselves, the additives present in the plastics, and the exogenous substances adsorbed onto them. This approach aims to obtain a comprehensive toxicological profile of deposited MPs in the lungs, encompassing local and systemic effects. The physicochemical characteristics of MPs may play a pivotal role in lung toxicity. Although evidence suggests toxic effects of MPs in animal and cell models, no established causal link with pulmonary or systemic diseases in humans has been established. The transfer of MPs and associated chemicals from the lungs into the bloodstream and/or pulmonary circulation remains to be confirmed in humans. Understanding the toxicity of MPs requires a multidisciplinary investigation using a One Health approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Borgatta
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté-Lausanne), University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Florian Breider
- Central Environmental Laboratory, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang YL, Huang CCY, Zheng CM, Liu WC, Lee YH, Chiu HW. Polystyrene microplastic-induced extracellular vesicles cause kidney-related effects in the crosstalk between tubular cells and fibroblasts. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 273:116098. [PMID: 38368757 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Plastic waste accumulation and its degradation into microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) pose environmental concerns. Previous studies have indicated that polystyrene (PS)-MPs harm living animals. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are associated with metabolic reprogramming and mitochondrial dysfunction in various kidney diseases. In this article, we evaluated how PS-MPs affected tubular cells and fibroblasts. The results demonstrated that PS-MPs increased EV production in human tubular cells and caused endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related proteins without inducing inflammation-related proteins in human tubular cells. The uptake of PS-MPs and incubation with the conditioned medium of PS-MPs induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and ER stress-related proteins in fibroblast cells. The fibroblast cells treated with the conditioned medium of PS-MPs also increased the expression of fibrosis-related proteins. Our findings suggested that the expression of EV-related markers increased in tubular cells via Beclin 1 after PS-MP treatment. In addition, PS-MPs induced ROS production in vitro and in vivo. We found that PS-MPs also altered the expression of EV markers in urine, and CD63 expression was also increased in vitro and in vivo after PS-MP treatment. In conclusion, PS-MP-induced EVs lead to ER stress-related proteins, ROS production and fibrosis-related proteins in tubular cells and fibroblasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Li Wang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cathy Chia-Yu Huang
- Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Cai-Mei Zheng
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chih Liu
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Antai Medical Care Corporation Antai Tian-Sheng Memorial Hospital, Pingtung, Taiwan; Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, Meiho University, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsuan Lee
- Department of Cosmeceutics, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Wen Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Song S, van Dijk F, Vasse GF, Liu Q, Gosselink IF, Weltjens E, Remels AHV, de Jager MH, Bos S, Li C, Stoeger T, Rehberg M, Kutschke D, van Eck GWA, Wu X, Willems SH, Boom DHA, Kooter IM, Spierings D, Wardenaar R, Cole M, Nawijn MC, Salvati A, Gosens R, Melgert BN. Inhalable Textile Microplastic Fibers Impair Airway Epithelial Differentiation. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2024; 209:427-443. [PMID: 37971785 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202211-2099oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Microplastics are a pressing global concern, and inhalation of microplastic fibers has been associated with interstitial and bronchial inflammation in flock workers. However, how microplastic fibers affect the lungs is unknown. Objectives: Our aim was to assess the effects of 12 × 31 μm nylon 6,6 (nylon) and 15 × 52 μm polyethylene terephthalate (polyester) textile microplastic fibers on lung epithelial growth and differentiation. Methods: We used human and murine alveolar and airway-type organoids as well as air-liquid interface cultures derived from primary lung epithelial progenitor cells and incubated these with either nylon or polyester fibers or nylon leachate. In addition, mice received one dose of nylon fibers or nylon leachate, and, 7 days later, organoid-forming capacity of isolated epithelial cells was investigated. Measurements and Main Results: We observed that nylon microfibers, more than polyester, inhibited developing airway organoids and not established ones. This effect was mediated by components leaching from nylon. Epithelial cells isolated from mice exposed to nylon fibers or leachate also formed fewer airway organoids, suggesting long-lasting effects of nylon components on epithelial cells. Part of these effects was recapitulated in human air-liquid interface cultures. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of Hoxa5 after exposure to nylon fibers. Inhibiting Hoxa5 during nylon exposure restored airway organoid formation, confirming Hoxa5's pivotal role in the effects of nylon. Conclusions: These results suggest that components leaching from nylon 6,6 may especially harm developing airways and/or airways undergoing repair, and we strongly encourage characterization in more detail of both the hazard of and the exposure to microplastic fibers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Song
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD
| | - Fransien van Dijk
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD
| | - Gwenda F Vasse
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD
| | - Qiongliang Liu
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Institute of Lung Health and Immunity, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Irene F Gosselink
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen Weltjens
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Alex H V Remels
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Chenxi Li
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Institute of Lung Health and Immunity, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Stoeger
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Institute of Lung Health and Immunity, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Rehberg
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Institute of Lung Health and Immunity, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - David Kutschke
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Institute of Lung Health and Immunity, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | | | - Xinhui Wu
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD
| | | | - Devin H A Boom
- The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Utrecht, the Netherlands; and
| | - Ingeborg M Kooter
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Utrecht, the Netherlands; and
| | | | - René Wardenaar
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, and
| | - Matthew Cole
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Martijn C Nawijn
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Salvati
- Department of Nanomedicine & Drug Targeting, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Reinoud Gosens
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD
| | - Barbro N Melgert
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zarus GM, Muianga C, Brenner S, Stallings K, Casillas G, Pohl HR, Mumtaz MM, Gehle K. Worker studies suggest unique liver carcinogenicity potential of polyvinyl chloride microplastics. Am J Ind Med 2023; 66:1033-1047. [PMID: 37742097 PMCID: PMC10841875 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plastic debris pervades our environment. Some breaks down into microplastics (MPs) that can enter and distribute in living organisms causing effects in multiple target organs. MPs have been demonstrated to harm animals through environmental exposure. Laboratory animal studies are still insufficient to evaluate human impact. And while MPs have been found in human tissues, the health effects at environmental exposure levels are unclear. AIM We reviewed and summarized existing evidence on health effects from occupational exposure to MPs. Additionally, the diverse effects documented for workers were organized by MP type and associated co-contaminants. Evidence of the unique effects of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) on liver was then highlighted. METHODS We conducted two stepwise online literature reviews of publications focused on the health risks associated with occupational MP exposures. This information was supplemented with findings from animal studies. RESULTS Our analysis focused on 34 published studies on occupational health effects from MP exposure with half involving exposure to PVC and the other half a variety of other MPs to compare. Liver effects following PVC exposure were reported for workers. While PVC exposure causes liver toxicity and increases the risk of liver cancers, including angiosarcomas and hepatocellular carcinomas, the carcinogenic effects of work-related exposure to other MPs, such as polystyrene and polyethylene, are not well understood. CONCLUSION The data supporting liver toxicity are strongest for PVC exposure. Overall, the evidence of liver toxicity from occupational exposure to MPs other than PVC is lacking. The PVC worker data summarized here can be useful in assisting clinicians evaluating exposure histories from PVC exposure and designing future cell, animal, and population exposure-effect research studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory M Zarus
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Office of Innovation and Analytics, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Custodio Muianga
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Office of Innovation and Analytics, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Stephan Brenner
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Office of Innovation and Analytics, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Katie Stallings
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Office of Innovation and Analytics, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Gaston Casillas
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Office of Innovation and Analytics, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Hana R Pohl
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Office of Innovation and Analytics, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - M Moiz Mumtaz
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Office of the Associate Director of Science, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kimberly Gehle
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Office of the Associate Director of Science, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zuri G, Karanasiou A, Lacorte S. Human biomonitoring of microplastics and health implications: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:116966. [PMID: 37634692 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles (<5 mm) ubiquitous in water, soil, and air, indicating that humans can be exposed to MPs through ingestion of water and food, and inhalation. OBJECTIVE This review provides an overview of the current human biomonitoring data available to evaluate human exposure and health impact of MPs. METHOD We compiled 91 relevant studies on MPs in human matrices and MPs toxicological endpoints to provide evidence on MPs distribution in the different tissues and the implications this can have from a health perspective. RESULTS Human exposure to MPs has been corroborated by the detection of MPs in different human biological samples including blood, urine, stool, lung tissue, breast milk, semen and placenta. Although humans have clearance mechanisms protecting them from potentially harmful substances, health risks associated to MPs exposure include the onset of inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage, potentially leading to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as cancer, as suggested by in vitro and in vivo studies. CONCLUSION Based on compiled data, MPs have been recurrently identified in different human tissues and fluids, suggesting that humans are exposed to MPs through inhalation and ingestion. Despite differences in MPs concentrations appear in exposed and non-exposed people, accumulation and distribution pathways and potential human health hazards is still at an infant stage. Human biomonitoring data enables the assessment of human exposure to MPs and associated risks, and this information can contribute to draw management actions and guidelines to minimize MP release to the environment, and thus, reduce human uptake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Zuri
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research of the Spanish Research Council (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angeliki Karanasiou
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research of the Spanish Research Council (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sílvia Lacorte
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research of the Spanish Research Council (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Emenike EC, Okorie CJ, Ojeyemi T, Egbemhenghe A, Iwuozor KO, Saliu OD, Okoro HK, Adeniyi AG. From oceans to dinner plates: The impact of microplastics on human health. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20440. [PMID: 37790970 PMCID: PMC10543225 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics, measuring less than 5 mm in diameter, are now found in various environmental media, including soil, water, and air, and have infiltrated the food chain, ultimately becoming a part of the human diet. This study offers a comprehensive examination of the intricate nexus between microplastics and human health, thereby contributing to the existing knowledge on the subject. Sources of microplastics, including microfibers from textiles, personal care products, and wastewater treatment plants, among others, were assessed. The study meticulously examined the diverse routes of microplastic exposure-ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact-offering insights into the associated health risks. Notably, ingestion of microplastics has been linked to gastrointestinal disturbances, endocrine disruption, and the potential transmission of pathogenic bacteria. Inhalation of airborne microplastics emerges as a critical concern, with possible implications for respiratory and cardiovascular health. Dermal contact, although less explored, raises the prospect of skin irritation and allergic reactions. The impacts of COVID-19 on microplastic pollution were also highlighted. Throughout the manuscript, the need for a deeper mechanistic understanding of microplastic interactions with human systems is emphasized, underscoring the urgency for further research and public awareness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ebuka Chizitere Emenike
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Chika J. Okorie
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Toluwalase Ojeyemi
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, USA
- Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Abel Egbemhenghe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Art and Science, Texas Tech University, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Kingsley O. Iwuozor
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Oluwaseyi D. Saliu
- Department of Indutrial Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Hussein K. Okoro
- Department of Indutrial Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Adewale George Adeniyi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, Landmark University, Omu-aran, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cary CM, Seymore TN, Singh D, Vayas KN, Goedken MJ, Adams S, Polunas M, Sunil VR, Laskin DL, Demokritou P, Stapleton PA. Single inhalation exposure to polyamide micro and nanoplastic particles impairs vascular dilation without generating pulmonary inflammation in virgin female Sprague Dawley rats. Part Fibre Toxicol 2023; 20:16. [PMID: 37088832 PMCID: PMC10122824 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-023-00525-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) in humans is being identified in both the indoor and outdoor environment. Detection of these materials in the air has made inhalation exposure to MNPs a major cause for concern. One type of plastic polymer found in indoor and outdoor settings is polyamide, often referred to as nylon. Inhalation of combustion-derived, metallic, and carbonaceous aerosols generate pulmonary inflammation, cardiovascular dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. Additionally, due to the additives present in plastics, MNPs may act as endocrine disruptors. Currently there is limited knowledge on potential health effects caused by polyamide or general MNP inhalation. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to assess the toxicological consequences of a single inhalation exposure of female rats to polyamide MNP during estrus by means of aerosolization of MNP. METHODS Bulk polyamide powder (i.e., nylon) served as a representative MNP. Polyamide aerosolization was characterized using particle sizers, cascade impactors, and aerosol samplers. Multiple-Path Particle Dosimetry (MPPD) modeling was used to evaluate pulmonary deposition of MNPs. Pulmonary inflammation was assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell content and H&E-stained tissue sections. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), wire myography of the aorta and uterine artery, and pressure myography of the radial artery was used to assess cardiovascular function. Systemic inflammation and endocrine disruption were quantified by measurement of proinflammatory cytokines and reproductive hormones. RESULTS Our aerosolization exposure platform was found to generate particles within the micro- and nano-size ranges (thereby constituting MNPs). Inhaled particles were predicted to deposit in all regions of the lung; no overt pulmonary inflammation was observed. Conversely, increased blood pressure and impaired dilation in the uterine vasculature was noted while aortic vascular reactivity was unaffected. Inhalation of MNPs resulted in systemic inflammation as measured by increased plasma levels of IL-6. Decreased levels of 17β-estradiol were also observed suggesting that MNPs have endocrine disrupting activity. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate aerosolization of MNPs in our inhalation exposure platform. Inhaled MNP aerosols were found to alter inflammatory, cardiovascular, and endocrine activity. These novel findings will contribute to a better understanding of inhaled plastic particle toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea M Cary
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 170 Frelinghuysen Road, 08854, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Talia N Seymore
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 170 Frelinghuysen Road, 08854, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Dilpreet Singh
- Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, 02115, Boston, MA, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), 08854, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Kinal N Vayas
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 170 Frelinghuysen Road, 08854, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Michael J Goedken
- Research Pathology Services, Rutgers University, 08854, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Samantha Adams
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 170 Frelinghuysen Road, 08854, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Marianne Polunas
- Research Pathology Services, Rutgers University, 08854, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Vasanthi R Sunil
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 170 Frelinghuysen Road, 08854, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Debra L Laskin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 170 Frelinghuysen Road, 08854, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), 08854, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Philip Demokritou
- Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, 02115, Boston, MA, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), 08854, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, 08854, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Phoebe A Stapleton
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 170 Frelinghuysen Road, 08854, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), 08854, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Nicole W. An Ill Wind? Growing Recognition of Airborne Nano- and Microplastic Exposures. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:42001. [PMID: 37116008 PMCID: PMC10146709 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
|
11
|
Landrigan PJ, Raps H, Cropper M, Bald C, Brunner M, Canonizado EM, Charles D, Chiles TC, Donohue MJ, Enck J, Fenichel P, Fleming LE, Ferrier-Pages C, Fordham R, Gozt A, Griffin C, Hahn ME, Haryanto B, Hixson R, Ianelli H, James BD, Kumar P, Laborde A, Law KL, Martin K, Mu J, Mulders Y, Mustapha A, Niu J, Pahl S, Park Y, Pedrotti ML, Pitt JA, Ruchirawat M, Seewoo BJ, Spring M, Stegeman JJ, Suk W, Symeonides C, Takada H, Thompson RC, Vicini A, Wang Z, Whitman E, Wirth D, Wolff M, Yousuf AK, Dunlop S. The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:23. [PMID: 36969097 PMCID: PMC10038118 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plastics have conveyed great benefits to humanity and made possible some of the most significant advances of modern civilization in fields as diverse as medicine, electronics, aerospace, construction, food packaging, and sports. It is now clear, however, that plastics are also responsible for significant harms to human health, the economy, and the earth's environment. These harms occur at every stage of the plastic life cycle, from extraction of the coal, oil, and gas that are its main feedstocks through to ultimate disposal into the environment. The extent of these harms not been systematically assessed, their magnitude not fully quantified, and their economic costs not comprehensively counted. Goals The goals of this Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health are to comprehensively examine plastics' impacts across their life cycle on: (1) human health and well-being; (2) the global environment, especially the ocean; (3) the economy; and (4) vulnerable populations-the poor, minorities, and the world's children. On the basis of this examination, the Commission offers science-based recommendations designed to support development of a Global Plastics Treaty, protect human health, and save lives. Report Structure This Commission report contains seven Sections. Following an Introduction, Section 2 presents a narrative review of the processes involved in plastic production, use, and disposal and notes the hazards to human health and the environment associated with each of these stages. Section 3 describes plastics' impacts on the ocean and notes the potential for plastic in the ocean to enter the marine food web and result in human exposure. Section 4 details plastics' impacts on human health. Section 5 presents a first-order estimate of plastics' health-related economic costs. Section 6 examines the intersection between plastic, social inequity, and environmental injustice. Section 7 presents the Commission's findings and recommendations. Plastics Plastics are complex, highly heterogeneous, synthetic chemical materials. Over 98% of plastics are produced from fossil carbon- coal, oil and gas. Plastics are comprised of a carbon-based polymer backbone and thousands of additional chemicals that are incorporated into polymers to convey specific properties such as color, flexibility, stability, water repellence, flame retardation, and ultraviolet resistance. Many of these added chemicals are highly toxic. They include carcinogens, neurotoxicants and endocrine disruptors such as phthalates, bisphenols, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), brominated flame retardants, and organophosphate flame retardants. They are integral components of plastic and are responsible for many of plastics' harms to human health and the environment.Global plastic production has increased almost exponentially since World War II, and in this time more than 8,300 megatons (Mt) of plastic have been manufactured. Annual production volume has grown from under 2 Mt in 1950 to 460 Mt in 2019, a 230-fold increase, and is on track to triple by 2060. More than half of all plastic ever made has been produced since 2002. Single-use plastics account for 35-40% of current plastic production and represent the most rapidly growing segment of plastic manufacture.Explosive recent growth in plastics production reflects a deliberate pivot by the integrated multinational fossil-carbon corporations that produce coal, oil and gas and that also manufacture plastics. These corporations are reducing their production of fossil fuels and increasing plastics manufacture. The two principal factors responsible for this pivot are decreasing global demand for carbon-based fuels due to increases in 'green' energy, and massive expansion of oil and gas production due to fracking.Plastic manufacture is energy-intensive and contributes significantly to climate change. At present, plastic production is responsible for an estimated 3.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the contribution of Brazil. This fraction is projected to increase to 4.5% by 2060 if current trends continue unchecked. Plastic Life Cycle The plastic life cycle has three phases: production, use, and disposal. In production, carbon feedstocks-coal, gas, and oil-are transformed through energy-intensive, catalytic processes into a vast array of products. Plastic use occurs in every aspect of modern life and results in widespread human exposure to the chemicals contained in plastic. Single-use plastics constitute the largest portion of current use, followed by synthetic fibers and construction.Plastic disposal is highly inefficient, with recovery and recycling rates below 10% globally. The result is that an estimated 22 Mt of plastic waste enters the environment each year, much of it single-use plastic and are added to the more than 6 gigatons of plastic waste that have accumulated since 1950. Strategies for disposal of plastic waste include controlled and uncontrolled landfilling, open burning, thermal conversion, and export. Vast quantities of plastic waste are exported each year from high-income to low-income countries, where it accumulates in landfills, pollutes air and water, degrades vital ecosystems, befouls beaches and estuaries, and harms human health-environmental injustice on a global scale. Plastic-laden e-waste is particularly problematic. Environmental Findings Plastics and plastic-associated chemicals are responsible for widespread pollution. They contaminate aquatic (marine and freshwater), terrestrial, and atmospheric environments globally. The ocean is the ultimate destination for much plastic, and plastics are found throughout the ocean, including coastal regions, the sea surface, the deep sea, and polar sea ice. Many plastics appear to resist breakdown in the ocean and could persist in the global environment for decades. Macro- and micro-plastic particles have been identified in hundreds of marine species in all major taxa, including species consumed by humans. Trophic transfer of microplastic particles and the chemicals within them has been demonstrated. Although microplastic particles themselves (>10 µm) appear not to undergo biomagnification, hydrophobic plastic-associated chemicals bioaccumulate in marine animals and biomagnify in marine food webs. The amounts and fates of smaller microplastic and nanoplastic particles (MNPs <10 µm) in aquatic environments are poorly understood, but the potential for harm is worrying given their mobility in biological systems. Adverse environmental impacts of plastic pollution occur at multiple levels from molecular and biochemical to population and ecosystem. MNP contamination of seafood results in direct, though not well quantified, human exposure to plastics and plastic-associated chemicals. Marine plastic pollution endangers the ocean ecosystems upon which all humanity depends for food, oxygen, livelihood, and well-being. Human Health Findings Coal miners, oil workers and gas field workers who extract fossil carbon feedstocks for plastic production suffer increased mortality from traumatic injury, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, silicosis, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Plastic production workers are at increased risk of leukemia, lymphoma, hepatic angiosarcoma, brain cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, neurotoxic injury, and decreased fertility. Workers producing plastic textiles die of bladder cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and interstitial lung disease at increased rates. Plastic recycling workers have increased rates of cardiovascular disease, toxic metal poisoning, neuropathy, and lung cancer. Residents of "fenceline" communities adjacent to plastic production and waste disposal sites experience increased risks of premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, childhood leukemia, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.During use and also in disposal, plastics release toxic chemicals including additives and residual monomers into the environment and into people. National biomonitoring surveys in the USA document population-wide exposures to these chemicals. Plastic additives disrupt endocrine function and increase risk for premature births, neurodevelopmental disorders, male reproductive birth defects, infertility, obesity, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and cancers. Chemical-laden MNPs formed through the environmental degradation of plastic waste can enter living organisms, including humans. Emerging, albeit still incomplete evidence indicates that MNPs may cause toxicity due to their physical and toxicological effects as well as by acting as vectors that transport toxic chemicals and bacterial pathogens into tissues and cells.Infants in the womb and young children are two populations at particularly high risk of plastic-related health effects. Because of the exquisite sensitivity of early development to hazardous chemicals and children's unique patterns of exposure, plastic-associated exposures are linked to increased risks of prematurity, stillbirth, low birth weight, birth defects of the reproductive organs, neurodevelopmental impairment, impaired lung growth, and childhood cancer. Early-life exposures to plastic-associated chemicals also increase the risk of multiple non-communicable diseases later in life. Economic Findings Plastic's harms to human health result in significant economic costs. We estimate that in 2015 the health-related costs of plastic production exceeded $250 billion (2015 Int$) globally, and that in the USA alone the health costs of disease and disability caused by the plastic-associated chemicals PBDE, BPA and DEHP exceeded $920 billion (2015 Int$). Plastic production results in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions equivalent to 1.96 gigatons of carbon dioxide (CO2e) annually. Using the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) social cost of carbon metric, we estimate the annual costs of these GHG emissions to be $341 billion (2015 Int$).These costs, large as they are, almost certainly underestimate the full economic losses resulting from plastics' negative impacts on human health and the global environment. All of plastics' economic costs-and also its social costs-are externalized by the petrochemical and plastic manufacturing industry and are borne by citizens, taxpayers, and governments in countries around the world without compensation. Social Justice Findings The adverse effects of plastics and plastic pollution on human health, the economy and the environment are not evenly distributed. They disproportionately affect poor, disempowered, and marginalized populations such as workers, racial and ethnic minorities, "fenceline" communities, Indigenous groups, women, and children, all of whom had little to do with creating the current plastics crisis and lack the political influence or the resources to address it. Plastics' harmful impacts across its life cycle are most keenly felt in the Global South, in small island states, and in disenfranchised areas in the Global North. Social and environmental justice (SEJ) principles require reversal of these inequitable burdens to ensure that no group bears a disproportionate share of plastics' negative impacts and that those who benefit economically from plastic bear their fair share of its currently externalized costs. Conclusions It is now clear that current patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal are not sustainable and are responsible for significant harms to human health, the environment, and the economy as well as for deep societal injustices.The main driver of these worsening harms is an almost exponential and still accelerating increase in global plastic production. Plastics' harms are further magnified by low rates of recovery and recycling and by the long persistence of plastic waste in the environment.The thousands of chemicals in plastics-monomers, additives, processing agents, and non-intentionally added substances-include amongst their number known human carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxicants, and persistent organic pollutants. These chemicals are responsible for many of plastics' known harms to human and planetary health. The chemicals leach out of plastics, enter the environment, cause pollution, and result in human exposure and disease. All efforts to reduce plastics' hazards must address the hazards of plastic-associated chemicals. Recommendations To protect human and planetary health, especially the health of vulnerable and at-risk populations, and put the world on track to end plastic pollution by 2040, this Commission supports urgent adoption by the world's nations of a strong and comprehensive Global Plastics Treaty in accord with the mandate set forth in the March 2022 resolution of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).International measures such as a Global Plastics Treaty are needed to curb plastic production and pollution, because the harms to human health and the environment caused by plastics, plastic-associated chemicals and plastic waste transcend national boundaries, are planetary in their scale, and have disproportionate impacts on the health and well-being of people in the world's poorest nations. Effective implementation of the Global Plastics Treaty will require that international action be coordinated and complemented by interventions at the national, regional, and local levels.This Commission urges that a cap on global plastic production with targets, timetables, and national contributions be a central provision of the Global Plastics Treaty. We recommend inclusion of the following additional provisions:The Treaty needs to extend beyond microplastics and marine litter to include all of the many thousands of chemicals incorporated into plastics.The Treaty needs to include a provision banning or severely restricting manufacture and use of unnecessary, avoidable, and problematic plastic items, especially single-use items such as manufactured plastic microbeads.The Treaty needs to include requirements on extended producer responsibility (EPR) that make fossil carbon producers, plastic producers, and the manufacturers of plastic products legally and financially responsible for the safety and end-of-life management of all the materials they produce and sell.The Treaty needs to mandate reductions in the chemical complexity of plastic products; health-protective standards for plastics and plastic additives; a requirement for use of sustainable non-toxic materials; full disclosure of all components; and traceability of components. International cooperation will be essential to implementing and enforcing these standards.The Treaty needs to include SEJ remedies at each stage of the plastic life cycle designed to fill gaps in community knowledge and advance both distributional and procedural equity.This Commission encourages inclusion in the Global Plastic Treaty of a provision calling for exploration of listing at least some plastic polymers as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention.This Commission encourages a strong interface between the Global Plastics Treaty and the Basel and London Conventions to enhance management of hazardous plastic waste and slow current massive exports of plastic waste into the world's least-developed countries.This Commission recommends the creation of a Permanent Science Policy Advisory Body to guide the Treaty's implementation. The main priorities of this Body would be to guide Member States and other stakeholders in evaluating which solutions are most effective in reducing plastic consumption, enhancing plastic waste recovery and recycling, and curbing the generation of plastic waste. This Body could also assess trade-offs among these solutions and evaluate safer alternatives to current plastics. It could monitor the transnational export of plastic waste. It could coordinate robust oceanic-, land-, and air-based MNP monitoring programs.This Commission recommends urgent investment by national governments in research into solutions to the global plastic crisis. This research will need to determine which solutions are most effective and cost-effective in the context of particular countries and assess the risks and benefits of proposed solutions. Oceanographic and environmental research is needed to better measure concentrations and impacts of plastics <10 µm and understand their distribution and fate in the global environment. Biomedical research is needed to elucidate the human health impacts of plastics, especially MNPs. Summary This Commission finds that plastics are both a boon to humanity and a stealth threat to human and planetary health. Plastics convey enormous benefits, but current linear patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal that pay little attention to sustainable design or safe materials and a near absence of recovery, reuse, and recycling are responsible for grave harms to health, widespread environmental damage, great economic costs, and deep societal injustices. These harms are rapidly worsening.While there remain gaps in knowledge about plastics' harms and uncertainties about their full magnitude, the evidence available today demonstrates unequivocally that these impacts are great and that they will increase in severity in the absence of urgent and effective intervention at global scale. Manufacture and use of essential plastics may continue. However, reckless increases in plastic production, and especially increases in the manufacture of an ever-increasing array of unnecessary single-use plastic products, need to be curbed.Global intervention against the plastic crisis is needed now because the costs of failure to act will be immense.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip J. Landrigan
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Hervé Raps
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Maureen Cropper
- Economics Department, University of Maryland, College Park, US
| | - Caroline Bald
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Patrick Fenichel
- Université Côte d’Azur
- Centre Hospitalier, Universitaire de Nice, FR
| | - Lora E. Fleming
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, UK
| | | | | | | | - Carly Griffin
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Mark E. Hahn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
- Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, US
| | - Budi Haryanto
- Department of Environmental Health, Universitas Indonesia, ID
- Research Center for Climate Change, Universitas Indonesia, ID
| | - Richard Hixson
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Hannah Ianelli
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Bryan D. James
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | | | - Amalia Laborde
- Department of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of the Republic, UY
| | | | - Keith Martin
- Consortium of Universities for Global Health, US
| | - Jenna Mu
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | - Adetoun Mustapha
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
- Lead City University, NG
| | - Jia Niu
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, US
| | - Sabine Pahl
- University of Vienna, Austria
- University of Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Maria-Luiza Pedrotti
- Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche sur mer (LOV), Sorbonne Université, FR
| | | | | | - Bhedita Jaya Seewoo
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
| | | | - John J. Stegeman
- Biology Department and Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | - William Suk
- Superfund Research Program, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US
| | | | - Hideshige Takada
- Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry (LOG), Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, JP
| | | | | | - Zhanyun Wang
- Technology and Society Laboratory, WEmpa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials and Technology, CH
| | - Ella Whitman
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | - Aroub K. Yousuf
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Sarah Dunlop
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jeon MS, Kim JW, Han YB, Jeong MH, Kim HR, Sik Kim H, Park YJ, Chung KH. Polystyrene microplastic particles induce autophagic cell death in BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023; 38:359-367. [PMID: 36485005 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The detection of high levels of microplastics in indoor and outdoor air has increased concerns regarding its toxic effects on the respiratory system. They are not easily degradable and can be deposited deep in the lungs. Although several studies have reported inhalation toxicities of microplastics, they are still controversial due to a lack of evidence. Herein, we evaluated the inhalation toxicities of three differently charged polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs), the most abundant microplastics in the air. Cytotoxicity and ROS generation were evaluated using WST-1 and DCF-DA assays, respectively. To evaluate the toxic effects on the lung, inflammatory responses were analyzed after repeated exposure to the PS-MPs through intratracheal instillation. To explore the mechanism of toxicity, autophagy and ER stress-associated proteins were analyzed. Only the positively charged PS-MPs (NH2 -PS-MPs) showed cytotoxicity and increased ROS generation in BEAS-2B cells. Similarly, only NH2 -PS-MPs significantly increased the expression and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-β in the animal experiments. The expression of ER stress proteins indicated that NH2 -PS-MPs increased ER stress via PERK-EIF2α and ATF4-CHOP pathways. Moreover, accumulation of NH2 -PS-MPs in lysosomes and deformity of the nucleus were observed in BEAS-2B cells with autophagy induction. Taken together, our results demonstrated that NH2 -PS-MPs induced autophagic cell death in bronchial epithelial cells, leading to inflammatory responses in the lungs. These results suggest that repeated inhalation of microplastics can result in inflammatory responses in the lung through cellular damage of lung epithelial cells, and that inhalation microplastics should be monitored to reduce inhalation health risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mi Seon Jeon
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Woo Kim
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Bin Han
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Ho Jeong
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ha Ryong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Sik Kim
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Joo Park
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu Hyuck Chung
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bhat MA, Gedik K, Gaga EO. Atmospheric micro (nano) plastics: future growing concerns for human health. AIR QUALITY, ATMOSPHERE, & HEALTH 2023; 16:233-262. [PMID: 36276170 PMCID: PMC9574822 DOI: 10.1007/s11869-022-01272-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Plastics are an integral but largely inconspicuous part of daily human routines. The present review paper uses cross-disciplinary scientific literature to examine and assess the possible effects of nanoplastics (NPs) concerning microplastics (MPs) on human health and summarizes crucial areas for future research. Although research on the nature and consequences of MPs has seen a substantial rise, only limited studies have concentrated on the atmospheric nanosized polymeric particles. However, due to the intrinsic technological complications in separating and computing them, their existence has been difficult to determine correctly. There is a consensus that these are not only existing in the environment but can get directly released or as the outcome of weathering of larger fragments, and it is believed to be that combustion can be the tertiary source of polymeric particles. NPs can have harmful consequences on human health, and their exposure may happen via ingestion, inhalation, or absorption by the skin. The atmospheric fallout of micro (nano) plastics may be responsible for contaminating the environment. Apart from this, different drivers affect the concentration of micro (nano) plastics in every environment compartment like wind, water currents, vectors, soil erosion, run-off, etc. Their high specific surface for the sorption of organic pollutions and toxic heavy metals and possible transfer between organisms at different nutrient levels make the study of NPs an urgent priority. These NPs could potentially cause physical damage by the particles themselves and biological stress by NPs alone or by leaching additives. However, there is minimal understanding of the occurrence, distribution, abundance, and fate of NPs in the environment, partially due to the lack of suitable techniques for separating and identifying NPs from complex environmental matrices. HIGHLIGHTS Micro (nano) plastics generated may reach the soil, water, and atmospheric compartments.Atmospheric currents serve as a way to transport, leading to micro (nano) plastics pollution.Exposure to micro (nano) plastics may happen via ingestion, inhalation, or absorption by the skin.Nanoplastics may be environmentally more harmful than other plastic particles; the focus should be on defining the exact size range.Visual classification of micro (nano) plastics is poor in reliability and may also contribute to microplastics being misidentified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mansoor Ahmad Bhat
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, Eskişehir Technical University, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Kadir Gedik
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, Eskişehir Technical University, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey
- Environmental Research Center (ÇEVMER), Eskişehir Technical University, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Eftade O. Gaga
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, Eskişehir Technical University, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey
- Environmental Research Center (ÇEVMER), Eskişehir Technical University, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lamichhane G, Acharya A, Marahatha R, Modi B, Paudel R, Adhikari A, Raut BK, Aryal S, Parajuli N. Microplastics in environment: global concern, challenges, and controlling measures. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : IJEST 2023; 20:4673-4694. [PMID: 35638092 PMCID: PMC9135010 DOI: 10.1007/s13762-022-04261-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution in various forms has emerged as the most severe environmental threat. Small plastic chunks, such as microplastics and nanoplastics derived from primary and secondary sources, are a major concern worldwide due to their adverse effects on the environment and public health. Several years have been spent developing robust spectroscopic techniques that should be considered top-notch; however, researchers are still trying to find efficient and straightforward methods for the analysis of microplastics but have yet to develop a viable solution. Because of the small size of these degraded plastics, they have been found in various species, from human brains to blood and digestive systems. Several pollution-controlling methods have been tested in recent years, and these methods are prominent and need to be developed. Bacterial degradation, sunlight-driven photocatalyst, fuels, and biodegradable plastics could be game-changers in future research on plastic pollution control. However, recent fledgling steps in controlling methods appear insufficient due to widespread contamination. As a result, proper regulation of environmental microplastics is a significant challenge, and the most equitable way to manage plastic pollution. Therefore, this paper discusses the current state of microplastics, some novel and well-known identification techniques, strategies for overcoming microplastic effects, and needed solutions to mitigate this planetary pollution. This review article, we believe, will fill a void in the field of plastic identification and pollution mitigation research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G. Lamichhane
- Biological Chemistry Lab, Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, 44618 Nepal
| | - A. Acharya
- Department of Geoscience, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Shimane University, Matsue, Japan
| | - R. Marahatha
- Biological Chemistry Lab, Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, 44618 Nepal
| | - B. Modi
- Biological Chemistry Lab, Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, 44618 Nepal
| | - R. Paudel
- Biological Chemistry Lab, Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, 44618 Nepal
| | - A. Adhikari
- Kathmandu Research Institute for Biological Sciences, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - B. K. Raut
- Biological Chemistry Lab, Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, 44618 Nepal
| | - S. Aryal
- Kathmandu Research Institute for Biological Sciences, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - N. Parajuli
- Biological Chemistry Lab, Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, 44618 Nepal
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Danso IK, Woo JH, Lee K. Pulmonary Toxicity of Polystyrene, Polypropylene, and Polyvinyl Chloride Microplastics in Mice. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27227926. [PMID: 36432032 PMCID: PMC9694469 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Globally, plastics are used in various products. Concerns regarding the human body's exposure to plastics and environmental pollution have increased with increased plastic use. Microplastics can be detected in the atmosphere, leading to potential human health risks through inhalation; however, the toxic effects of microplastic inhalation are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the pulmonary toxicity of polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in C57BL/6, BALB/c, and ICR mice strains. Mice were intratracheally instilled with 5 mg/kg of PS, PP, or PVC daily for two weeks. PS stimulation increased inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of C57BL/6 and ICR mice. Histopathological analysis of PS-instilled C57BL/6 and PP-instilled ICR mice showed inflammatory cell infiltration. PS increased the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome components in the lung tissue of C57BL/6 and ICR mice, while PS-instilled BALB/c mice remained unchanged. PS stimulation increased inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β and IL-6, in BALF of C57BL/6 mice. PP-instilled ICR mice showed increased NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 in the lung tissue compared to the control groups and increased IL-1β levels in BALF. These results could provide baseline data for understanding the pulmonary toxicity of microplastic inhalation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Kwabena Danso
- Inhalation Toxicology Center for Airborne Risk Factor, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 30 Baekhak 1-gil, Jeongeup 56212, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Hwan Woo
- Inhalation Toxicology Center for Airborne Risk Factor, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 30 Baekhak 1-gil, Jeongeup 56212, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
- Biosafety Research Institute and Laboratory of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuhong Lee
- Inhalation Toxicology Center for Airborne Risk Factor, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 30 Baekhak 1-gil, Jeongeup 56212, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-63-570-8740
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Soltani NS, Taylor MP, Wilson SP. International quantification of microplastics in indoor dust: prevalence, exposure and risk assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 312:119957. [PMID: 35977640 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This international scale study measured the prevalence of indoor microplastics (MPs) in deposited dust in 108 homes from 29 countries over a 1-month period. Dust borne MPs shape, colour, and length were determined using microscopy and the composition measured using μFTIR. Human health exposure and risk was assessed along with residential factors associated with MPs via a participant questionnaire. Samples were categorised according to each country's gross national income (GNI). Synthetic polymers dominated in low income (LI) (39%) and high income (HI) (46%) while natural fibres were the most prevalent in medium income (MI) (43%) countries. Composition and statistical analysis showed that the main sources of MPs and dust were predominantly from indoor sources. Across all GNI countries, greater vacuuming frequency was associated with lower MPs loading. High income country samples returned higher proportions of polyamides and polyester fibres, whereas in LI countries polyurethane was the most prominent MPs fibre. Exposure modelling showed infants (0-2 years) were exposed to the highest MPs dose through inhalation (4.5 × 10-5 ± 3 × 10-5) and ingestion (3.24 × 10-2 ± 3.14 × 10-2) mg/kg-Bw/day. Health risk analysis of constituent monomers of polymers indicates cancer incidence was estimated at 4.1-8.7 per million persons across age groups. This study's analysis showed socio-economic factors and age were dominant variables in determining dose and associated health outcomes of MPs in household dust.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neda Sharifi Soltani
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia.
| | - Mark Patrick Taylor
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia; Environment Protection Authority Victoria, EPA Science, Centre for Applied Sciences, Ernest Jones Drive, Macleod, Melbourne,Victoria, 3085, Australia
| | - Scott Paton Wilson
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia; Earthwatch Institute, Suite G-06, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton, Melbourne, 3053, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wu P, Lin S, Cao G, Wu J, Jin H, Wang C, Wong MH, Yang Z, Cai Z. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity of microplastics in the human body and health implications. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 437:129361. [PMID: 35749897 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs; <5 mm) in the biosphere draws public concern about their potential health impacts. Humans are potentially exposed to MPs via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. Ingestion and inhalation are the two major exposure pathways. An adult may consume approximately 5.1 × 103 items from table salts and up to 4.1 × 104 items via drinking water annually. Meanwhile, MP inhalation intake ranges from 0.9 × 104 to 7.9 × 104 items per year. The intake of MPs would be further distributed in different tissues and organs of humans depending on their sizes. The excretion has been discussed with the possible clearance ways (e.g., urine and feces). The review summarized the absorption, distribution, metabolic toxicity and excretion of MPs together with the attached chemicals. Moreover, the potential implications on humans are also discussed from in vitro and in vivo studies, and connecting the relationship between the physicochemical properties and the potential risks. This review will contribute to a better understanding of MPs as culprits and/or vectors linking to potential human health hazards, which will help outline the promising areas for further revealing the possible toxicity pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Siyi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Guodong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiabin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hangbiao Jin
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, PR China
| | - Chen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
| | - Ming Hung Wong
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education, and Research (CHEER), and Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Zongwei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wieland S, Balmes A, Bender J, Kitzinger J, Meyer F, Ramsperger AF, Roeder F, Tengelmann C, Wimmer BH, Laforsch C, Kress H. From properties to toxicity: Comparing microplastics to other airborne microparticles. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 428:128151. [PMID: 35042167 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.128151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) debris is considered as a potentially hazardous material. It is omnipresent in our environment, and evidence that MP is also abundant in the atmosphere is increasing. Consequently, the inhalation of these particles is a significant exposure route to humans. Concerns about potential effects of airborne MP on human health are rising. However, currently, there are not enough studies on the putative toxicity of airborne MP to adequately assess its impact on human health. Therefore, we examined potential drivers of airborne MP toxicity. Physicochemical properties like size, shape, ζ-potential, adsorbed molecules and pathogens, and the MP's bio-persistence have been proposed as possible drivers of MP toxicity. Since their role in MP toxicity is largely unknown, we reviewed the literature on toxicologically well-studied non-plastic airborne microparticles (asbestos, silica, soot, wood, cotton, hay). We aimed to link the observed health effects and toxicology of these microparticles to the abovementioned properties. By comparing this information with studies on the effects of airborne MP, we analyzed possible mechanisms of airborne MP toxicity. Thus, we provide a basis for a mechanistic understanding of airborne MP toxicity. This may enable the assessment of risks associated with airborne MP pollution, facilitating effective policymaking and product design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Wieland
- Biological Physics, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany; Animal Ecology I and BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Aylin Balmes
- Institute of Applied Physics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Julian Bender
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Interdisciplinary Research Center HALOmem, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Jonas Kitzinger
- Department of Physics, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Meyer
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anja Frm Ramsperger
- Biological Physics, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany; Animal Ecology I and BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Franz Roeder
- Institute of Optics and Quantum Electronics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Caroline Tengelmann
- Medical Faculty, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Christian Laforsch
- Animal Ecology I and BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Holger Kress
- Biological Physics, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Athey SN, Erdle LM. Are We Underestimating Anthropogenic Microfiber Pollution? A Critical Review of Occurrence, Methods, and Reporting. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:822-837. [PMID: 34289522 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic microfibers, a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, can be categorized as synthetic, semisynthetic, or natural according to material of origin and production process. Although natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, originated from natural sources, they often contain chemical additives, including colorants (e.g., dyes, pigments) and finishes (e.g., flame retardants, antimicrobial agents, ultraviolet light stabilizers). These additives are applied to textiles during production to give textiles desired properties like enhanced durability. Anthropogenically modified "natural" and semisynthetic fibers are sufficiently persistent to undergo long-range transport and accumulate in the environment, where they are ingested by biota. Although most research and communication on microfibers have focused on the sources, pathways, and effects of synthetic fibers in the environment, natural and semisynthetic fibers warrant further investigation because of their abundance. Because of the challenges in enumerating and identifying natural and semisynthetic fibers in environmental samples and the focus on microplastic or synthetic fibers, reports of anthropogenic microfibers in the environment may be underestimated. In this critical review, we 1) report that natural and semisynthetic microfibers are abundant, 2) highlight that some environmental compartments are relatively understudied in the microfiber literature, and 3) report which methods are suitable to enumerate and characterize the full suite of anthropogenic microfibers. We then use these findings to 4) recommend best practices to assess the abundance of anthropogenic microfibers in the environment, including natural and semisynthetic fibers. By focusing exclusively on synthetic fibers in the environment, we are neglecting a major component of anthropogenic microfiber pollution. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:822-837. © 2021 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha N Athey
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa M Erdle
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The 5 Gyres Institute, Santa Monica, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
A Preliminary Assessment of Size-Fractionated Microplastics in Indoor Aerosol—Kuwait’s Baseline. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10020071. [PMID: 35202257 PMCID: PMC8878012 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10020071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The omnipresence of microplastic (MP) in various environmental samples, including aerosols, has raised public health concerns; however, there is presently very limited information on MPs in indoor aerosol. This paper presents a unique dataset where smaller MPs have been sampled using a six-stage cascade impactor from indoor environments in Kuwait. The MP concentration in the indoor air varied between 3.2 and 27.1 particles m−3, and the relative MP concentration decreased linearly from the lowest to the highest size fraction. A significant effect of location was observed for the total number of MPs (F2,14 = 5.80, p = 0.02) and the inhalable fraction (F2,14 = 8.38, p = 0.005), while location had no effect on the respirable fraction (F2,14 = 0.54, p = 0.60). A significant effect of the type of air conditioning used was also observed for the total number of MPs (F2,19 = 5.58, p = 0.01) and the inhalable fraction (F2,19 = 6.45, p = 0.008), while location had no effect on the respirable fraction (F2,19 = 1.30, p = 0.30). For the total number of MPs and the inhalable fraction, the concentration was significantly higher for the split unit air-conditioning as compared to the central air-conditioning plants. The presence/absence of carpets had no significant effect on the MP concentrations (total: F1,19 = 4.08, p = 0.06; inhalable: F1,19 = 3.03, p = 0.10; respirable: F1,19 = 4.27, p = 0.05). The shape was dominantly fibers, with few fragments in lower size fractions. These datasets represent the first baseline information for Kuwait, and the smaller MPs in all the samples further underscore the need to develop standardized protocols of MP collection in the ≤2.5 µm fraction that can have more conspicuous health implications.
Collapse
|
21
|
Chen EY, Lin KT, Jung CC, Chang CL, Chen CY. Characteristics and influencing factors of airborne microplastics in nail salons. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:151472. [PMID: 34742808 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Airborne microplastic particles (MPs) are emerging contaminants. Although some studies have investigated the characteristics of indoor MPs in homes or offices, information regarding MPs in nail salons with potentially higher MP pollution is unavailable. In this study, we collected indoor and outdoor air samples from nail salons to analyze the concentrations, physical characteristics, and polymers of MPs and further assessed the exposure through inhalation and influencing factors. Our data displayed that the average indoor MP concentration was 46 ± 55 MPs/m3. The estimated average annual exposure to indoor MPs was 67,567 ± 81,782 MPs/year. The predominant shape and size of indoor MPs were fragment and <50 μm, respectively. The predominant polymer in indoor air was acrylic (27%), followed by rubber (21%), and polyurethane (13%). Air conditioner, nail treatment, ceiling and flooring with plastic materials, and number of occupants were factors affecting indoor MP concentrations. We concluded that MP pollution was more severe in nail salons and the physical characteristics and polymer compositions differed between nail salons and other indoor spaces reported in other studies. Air conditioner usage induced higher MP emission, and higher MP concentrations were observed in nail salons with plastic ceiling and flooring or more occupants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- En-Yu Chen
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan.
| | - Kuan-Ting Lin
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Cheng Jung
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Ling Chang
- Department of Cosmetology and Health Care, Min-Hwei Junior College of Health Care Management, Tainan City, Taiwan.
| | - Chung-Yu Chen
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, School of Safety and Health Science, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan City, Taiwan; Occupational Environment and Food Safety Research Center, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan City, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Carlier S, Nasser M, Fort E, Lamouroux C, Si-Mohamed S, Chalabreysse L, Maury JM, Diesler R, Cottin V, Charbotel B. Role of the occupational disease consultant in the multidisciplinary discussion of interstitial lung diseases. Respir Res 2022; 23:332. [PMID: 36482462 PMCID: PMC9733286 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02257-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diffuse interstitial lung diseases (ILD) constitute a heterogeneous group of conditions with complex etiological diagnoses requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Much is still unknown about them, particularly their relationship with occupational exposures. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the distribution of occupational exposures according to type of ILD. The secondary objectives were to estimate the proportion of ILDs possibly related to occupational exposure and to evaluate the added value of the participation of an occupational disease consultant in ILD multidisciplinary discussions (MDD). METHODS From May to December 2020, all consecutive patients with ILD whose cases were reviewed during a MDD in a referral centre for ILD were prospectively offered a consultation with an occupational disease consultant. RESULTS Of the 156 patients with ILD whose cases were reviewed in MDD during the study period, 141 patients attended an occupational exposure consultation. Occupational exposure was identified in 97 patients. Occupational exposure to asbestos was found in 12/31 (38.7%) patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and in 9/18 (50.0%) patients with unclassifiable fibrosis. Occupational exposure to metal dust was found in 13/31 (41.9%) patients with IPFs and 10/18 (55.6%) patients with unclassifiable fibrosis. Silica exposure was found in 12/50 (24.0%) patients with autoimmune ILD. The link between occupational exposure and ILD was confirmed for 41 patients after the specialist occupational consultation. The occupational origin had not been considered (n = 9) or had been excluded or neglected (n = 4) by the MDD before the specialised consultation. A total of 24 (17%) patients were advised to apply for occupational disease compensation, including 22 (15.6%) following the consultation. In addition, a diagnosis different from the one proposed by the MDD was proposed for 18/141 (12.8%) patients. CONCLUSIONS In our study, we found a high prevalence of occupational respiratory exposure with a potential causal link in patients with ILD. We suggest that a systematic specialised consultation in occupational medicine could be beneficial in the ILD diagnostic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ségolene Carlier
- grid.7849.20000 0001 2150 7757Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université Gustave Eiffel-IFSTTAR, UMRESTTE, UMR T 9405, Domaine Rockefeller, 69373 Lyon Cedex 08, France ,grid.411430.30000 0001 0288 2594Hospices Civils de Lyon, CRPPE-Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, 69495 Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Mouhamad Nasser
- National Reference Center for Rare Pulmonary Diseases, Hôpital Louis Pradel, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Université de Lyon, INRAE, Lyon, France
| | - Emmanuel Fort
- grid.7849.20000 0001 2150 7757Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université Gustave Eiffel-IFSTTAR, UMRESTTE, UMR T 9405, Domaine Rockefeller, 69373 Lyon Cedex 08, France
| | - Céline Lamouroux
- grid.7849.20000 0001 2150 7757Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université Gustave Eiffel-IFSTTAR, UMRESTTE, UMR T 9405, Domaine Rockefeller, 69373 Lyon Cedex 08, France ,grid.411430.30000 0001 0288 2594Hospices Civils de Lyon, CRPPE-Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, 69495 Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Salim Si-Mohamed
- grid.413858.3Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Radiology, Hôpital Louis Pradel, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Boulevard Pinel, 69500 Bron, France ,grid.15399.370000 0004 1765 5089UMR 5220, CREATIS, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Lara Chalabreysse
- grid.413858.3Département de Chirurgie Thoracique, Transplantation Pulmonaire et Cardio-Pulmonaire, Hôpital Louis Pradel, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France ,CICLY LYON, Centre Pour L’innovation en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Michel Maury
- grid.413852.90000 0001 2163 3825Service d’anatomie-Pathologique, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France ,grid.25697.3f0000 0001 2172 4233UMR754, INRAE, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Rémi Diesler
- National Reference Center for Rare Pulmonary Diseases, Hôpital Louis Pradel, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Université de Lyon, INRAE, Lyon, France
| | - Vincent Cottin
- National Reference Center for Rare Pulmonary Diseases, Hôpital Louis Pradel, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Université de Lyon, INRAE, Lyon, France
| | - Barbara Charbotel
- grid.7849.20000 0001 2150 7757Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université Gustave Eiffel-IFSTTAR, UMRESTTE, UMR T 9405, Domaine Rockefeller, 69373 Lyon Cedex 08, France ,grid.411430.30000 0001 0288 2594Hospices Civils de Lyon, CRPPE-Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, 69495 Pierre Bénite, France
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Turroni S, Wright S, Rampelli S, Brigidi P, Zinzani PL, Candela M. Microplastics shape the ecology of the human gastrointestinal intestinal tract. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2021.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
24
|
Halappanavar S, Mallach G. Adverse outcome pathways and in vitro toxicology strategies for microplastics hazard testing. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
|
25
|
Conti I, Simioni C, Varano G, Brenna C, Costanzi E, Neri LM. Legislation to limit the environmental plastic and microplastic pollution and their influence on human exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 288:117708. [PMID: 34256282 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is an emerging problem and is a consequence of the post-consumer plastic waste accumulation in the environment coupled to mismanaged waste programmes. Countries are counteracting the continuous growth of plastic litter with different strategies: introducing bans and limits on both plastic items and materials, promoting plastic recycling and recovery strategies and encouraging voluntary clean up actions, as well as raising public awareness. However, the toxicity of plastics to the environment and organisms is not only related to their polymer chains, but also to the fact that plastic materials contain hazardous additives and can adsorb environmental pollutants (i.e. heavy metals and persistent organic contaminants, respectively). The plastic/additives/pollutants combination may be ingested by marine organisms and then enter in the food chain. Therefore, legislation for additives and contaminants is crucial both to reduce environmental pollution and their toxic effects on organisms, which of course includes humans. In this review, the current policies on plastics and related contaminants are described focusing on current laws. Moreover, recommendations for seafood consumption are suggested, since each fish or mollusc eaten may potentially result in plastic particles, additives or contaminants ingestion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Conti
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Carolina Simioni
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy; LTTA - Electron Microscopy Center, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Varano
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Brenna
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Eva Costanzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Luca Maria Neri
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy; LTTA - Electron Microscopy Center, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhu X, Huang W, Fang M, Liao Z, Wang Y, Xu L, Mu Q, Shi C, Lu C, Deng H, Dahlgren R, Shang X. Airborne Microplastic Concentrations in Five Megacities of Northern and Southeast China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:12871-12881. [PMID: 34559513 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Airborne microplastics (MPs) are receiving increasing attention due to their ubiquitous nature and the potential human health consequences resulting from inhalation. The limited data for airborne MP concentrations vary widely among studies (∼4 orders of magnitude), but comparisons are tenuous due to the inconsistent collection and detection/enumeration methodologies among studies. Herein, we used uniform methodologies to obtain comparable airborne MP concentration data to assess MP exposure intensity in five Chinese megacities. Airborne MP concentrations in northern cities (358 ± 132 items/m3) were higher than those in southeast cities (230 ± 94 items/m3) but of a similar order of magnitude, unlike previous studies. The majority (94.7%) of MPs found in air samples were smaller than 100 μm, and the main shape of airborne MPs was fragments (88.2%). Polyethylene, polyester, and polystyrene were the dominant polymers comprising airborne MPs. No consistent relationships were detected between airborne MP concentration and typical socioeconomic indices, and the spatial and diurnal patterns for airborne MPs were different from various components of air quality indices (PM2.5, PM10, etc.). These findings reflect the contrasting source/generation dynamics between airborne MPs and other airborne pollutants. Maximum annual exposure of humans to airborne MPs was estimated in the range of 1-2 million/year in these megacities, highlighting the need for additional research examining the human health risks from the inhalation of airborne MPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics and Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Mingzhu Fang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zhonglu Liao
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yiqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Lisha Xu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Qianqian Mu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Chenwei Shi
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Changjie Lu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Huanhuan Deng
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Randy Dahlgren
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
- Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Xu Shang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Pironti C, Ricciardi M, Motta O, Miele Y, Proto A, Montano L. Microplastics in the Environment: Intake through the Food Web, Human Exposure and Toxicological Effects. TOXICS 2021; 9:224. [PMID: 34564375 PMCID: PMC8473407 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9090224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Recently, studies on microplastics (MPs) have increased rapidly due to the growing awareness of the potential health risks related to their occurrence. The first part of this review is devoted to MP occurrence, distribution, and quantification. MPs can be transferred from the environment to humans mainly through inhalation, secondly from ingestion, and, to a lesser extent, through dermal contact. As regards food web contamination, we discuss the microplastic presence not only in the most investigated sources, such as seafood, drinking water, and salts, but also in other foods such as honey, sugar, milk, fruit, and meat (chickens, cows, and pigs). All literature data suggest not-negligible human exposure to MPs through the above-mentioned routes. Consequently, several research efforts have been devoted to assessing potential human health risks. Initially, toxicological studies were conducted with aquatic organisms and then with experimental mammal animal models and human cell cultures. In the latter case, toxicological effects were observed at high concentrations of MPs (polystyrene is the most common MP benchmark) for a short time. Further studies must be performed to assess the real consequences of MP contamination at low concentrations and prolonged exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Pironti
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (C.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Maria Ricciardi
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (C.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Oriana Motta
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (C.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Ylenia Miele
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (Y.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Antonio Proto
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (Y.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (Eco-FoodFertility Project), “S. Francesco di Assisi Hospital”, 84020 Oliveto Citra, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Liao Z, Ji X, Ma Y, Lv B, Huang W, Zhu X, Fang M, Wang Q, Wang X, Dahlgren R, Shang X. Airborne microplastics in indoor and outdoor environments of a coastal city in Eastern China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 417:126007. [PMID: 33992007 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in marine and terrestrial environments have been intensively studied, but the dynamics of airborne MPs remains limited. Existing studies on atmospheric MPs are mostly derived from collection of atmospheric deposition, whereas direct measurements of airborne MPs are scarce. However, the abundance of airborne MPs is more relevant for evaluating human inhalation exposure risk. Herein, airborne MPs in indoor and outdoor environments from urban and rural areas of a coastal city in eastern China were investigated. MP concentrations (mean±SD) in indoor air (1583 ± 1180 n/m3) were an order of magnitude higher than outdoor air (189 ± 85 n/m3), and airborne MP concentrations in urban areas (224 ± 70 n/m3) were higher than rural areas (101 ± 47 n/m3). MPs smaller than 100 µm dominated airborne MPs, and the predominant shape of airborne MPs was fragments, as opposed to fibers. The larger MP size fractions contained a higher proportion of fibers, whereas the smaller size fractions were nearly exclusively composed of fragments. The health risk caused by ubiquitous airborne MPs should not be discounted as the maximum annual outdoor exposure of airborne MPs can reach 1 million/year, while indoor exposure may be even higher due to higher indoor airborne MP concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglu Liao
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xiaoliang Ji
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Baoqiang Lv
- School of Life and Environmental Science, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem and Biogeochemistry, Second Institute of Oceanography SOA, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Xuan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Mingzhu Fang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Qi Wang
- School of Life and Environmental Science, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xuedong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Randy Dahlgren
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Xu Shang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Akanyange SN, Lyu X, Zhao X, Li X, Zhang Y, Crittenden JC, Anning C, Chen T, Jiang T, Zhao H. Does microplastic really represent a threat? A review of the atmospheric contamination sources and potential impacts. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 777:146020. [PMID: 33677289 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are regarded as one of the major atmospheric contaminants that have gained wide attention across the globe in the current dispensation. Airborne MPs have been collected in atmospheric fallouts, in indoor and outdoor air as well as along roadways and indoor dust. The most dominating constituent shapes and forms of identified airborne MPs are fibers and synthetic textiles, respectively. With the breathing mechanism as a spontaneous practice for survival, the inhalation of airborne MPs is an inevitable deal. The level of toxicity of MPs to organisms stems from its physiochemical speciation. The smaller size and almost weightless nature make it possible to suspend in the atmosphere and be inhaled and create potential health problems. Nonetheless, the data available concerning the presence of airborne MPs and its environmental and human health impacts is limited. In this review, we extensively discuss the rigorous and suitable methodologies adopted for the analysis of airborne MPs in previous studies. The characteristics and sources of airborne MPs, the potential health impacts on humans, and some mitigating measures have also been discussed thoroughly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Nyabire Akanyange
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Xianjun Lyu
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Xiaohan Zhao
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Xue Li
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China.
| | - John C Crittenden
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 828 W. Peachtree Street, Suite 320, Atlanta, GA 30332-0595, USA
| | - Cosmos Anning
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Tianpeng Chen
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Tianlin Jiang
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Huaqing Zhao
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Masanori A. Imaging diagnosis of classical and new pneumoconiosis: predominant reticular HRCT pattern. Insights Imaging 2021; 12:33. [PMID: 33689008 PMCID: PMC7947097 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-021-00966-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the manifestations of pneumoconioses is evolving in recent years. Associations between novel exposures and diffuse interstitial lung disease have been newly recognized. In advanced asbestosis, two types of fibrosis are seen, probably related to dose of exposure, existence of pleural fibrosis, and the host factor status of the individual. In pneumoconiosis of predominant reticular type, nodular opacities are often seen in the early phase. The nodular pattern is centrilobular, although some in metal lung show perilymphatic distribution, mimicking sarcoidosis. High-resolution computed tomography enables a more comprehensive correlation between the pathologic findings and clinically relevant imaging findings. The clinician must understand the spectrum of characteristic imaging features related to both known dust exposures and to historically recent new dust exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akira Masanori
- Department of Radiology, NHO Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, 1180 Nagasone-cho, Kita-ku, Sakai City, Osaka, 591-8555, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zarus GM, Muianga C, Hunter CM, Pappas RS. A review of data for quantifying human exposures to micro and nanoplastics and potential health risks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 756:144010. [PMID: 33310215 PMCID: PMC7775266 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris have been shown to degenerate to particle sizes that can be transported in air, water, and food. Small particles are documented to enter and exit our bodies and translocate to and from some internal organs. Health effects on respiratory, hepatic, immune, and gastrointestinal systems have been reported in humans and other mammals in response to elevated particle or fiber exposures. These health effects differed by plastic type and size, and there was evidence of dose response for a few health endpoints. We conducted a systematic word search and reviewed published literature to identify microplastic and nanoplastic studies that quantified exposure via the ingestion, inhalation, and subcutaneous absorption (not dermal) exposure pathways; identified translocation, internal dose, and associations with health effects and markers related to exposures to specific sizes and types of plastics. We identified the data gaps in relating exposure data to health effects and biomarkers, most notably the lack of characterization of plastic particles and fibers smaller than 10 μm in most media.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory M Zarus
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
| | - Custodio Muianga
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Candis M Hunter
- National Center for Environmental Health, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - R Steven Pappas
- National Center for Environmental Health, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Amato-Lourenço LF, Dos Santos Galvão L, de Weger LA, Hiemstra PS, Vijver MG, Mauad T. An emerging class of air pollutants: Potential effects of microplastics to respiratory human health? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 749:141676. [PMID: 32827829 PMCID: PMC7424328 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
It is increasingly recognized that the ubiquity of convenient single-use plastic has resulted in a global plastic pollution challenge, with substantial environmental and health consequences. Physical, chemical, and biological processes result in plastic weathering, with eventual formation of debris in the micro to nano size range. There is an increasing awareness that plastic fragments are dispersed in the air and can be inhaled by humans, which may cause adverse effects on the respiratory system and on other systems. Urban environments are often characterized by high concentrations of fine airborne dust from various sources. To date, however, there is limited information on the distribution, shape, and size of microplastics in the air in urban and other environments. In this article, we review and discuss our current understanding of the exposure characteristics of airborne plastic debris in urbanized areas, focusing on concentration, size, morphology, presence of additives and distributions of different polymers. The natural and extend data are compiled and compared to laboratory-based analyses to further our understanding of the potential adverse effects of inhaled plastic particles on human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luís Fernando Amato-Lourenço
- Institute of Advanced Studies (IEA) Global Cities Program, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | - Letty A de Weger
- Department of Pulmonology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Pieter S Hiemstra
- Department of Pulmonology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Martina G Vijver
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Thais Mauad
- Institute of Advanced Studies (IEA) Global Cities Program, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kelly FJ, Fussell JC. Toxicity of airborne particles-established evidence, knowledge gaps and emerging areas of importance. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2020; 378:20190322. [PMID: 32981440 PMCID: PMC7536031 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2019.0322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological research has taught us a great deal about the health effects of airborne particulate matter (PM), particularly cardiorespiratory effects of combustion-related particles. This has been matched by toxicological research to define underlying mechanistic pathways. To keep abreast of the substantial challenges that air pollution continues to throw at us requires yet more strides to be achieved. For example, being aware of the most toxic components/sources and having a definitive idea of the range of associated disease outcomes. This review discusses approaches designed to close some of these knowledge gaps. These include a focus on particles arising from non-exhaust PM at the roadside and microplastics-both of which are becoming more relevant in the light of a shift in PM composition in response to global pressure to reduce combustion emissions. The application of hypothesis-free approaches in both mechanistic studies and epidemiology in unveiling unexpected relationships and generating novel insights is also discussed. Previous work, strengthening the evidence for both the adverse effects and benefits of intervention tell us that the sooner we act to close knowledge gaps, increase awareness and develop creative solutions, the sooner we can reduce the public health burden attributable to these complex and insidious environmental pollutants. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Air quality, past present and future'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank J. Kelly
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Exposures and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Sir Michael Uren Building, White City Campus, 80-92 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Levermore JM, Smith TEL, Kelly FJ, Wright SL. Detection of Microplastics in Ambient Particulate Matter Using Raman Spectral Imaging and Chemometric Analysis. Anal Chem 2020; 92:8732-8740. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b05445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M. Levermore
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas E. L. Smith
- Department of Geography, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom
- Department of Geography and Environment, London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, United Kingdom
| | - Frank J. Kelly
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie L. Wright
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Blanc PD, Annesi-Maesano I, Balmes JR, Cummings KJ, Fishwick D, Miedinger D, Murgia N, Naidoo RN, Reynolds CJ, Sigsgaard T, Torén K, Vinnikov D, Redlich CA. The Occupational Burden of Nonmalignant Respiratory Diseases. An Official American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society Statement. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2020; 199:1312-1334. [PMID: 31149852 PMCID: PMC6543721 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201904-0717st] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Workplace inhalational hazards remain common worldwide, even though they are ameliorable. Previous American Thoracic Society documents have assessed the contribution of workplace exposures to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on a population level, but not to other chronic respiratory diseases. The goal of this document is to report an in-depth literature review and data synthesis of the occupational contribution to the burden of the major nonmalignant respiratory diseases, including airway diseases; interstitial fibrosis; hypersensitivity pneumonitis; other noninfectious granulomatous lung diseases, including sarcoidosis; and selected respiratory infections. Methods: Relevant literature was identified for each respiratory condition. The occupational population attributable fraction (PAF) was estimated for those conditions for which there were sufficient population-based studies to allow pooled estimates. For the other conditions, the occupational burden of disease was estimated on the basis of attribution in case series, incidence rate ratios, or attributable fraction within an exposed group. Results: Workplace exposures contribute substantially to the burden of multiple chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma (PAF, 16%); chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (PAF, 14%); chronic bronchitis (PAF, 13%); idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (PAF, 26%); hypersensitivity pneumonitis (occupational burden, 19%); other granulomatous diseases, including sarcoidosis (occupational burden, 30%); pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (occupational burden, 29%); tuberculosis (occupational burden, 2.3% in silica-exposed workers and 1% in healthcare workers); and community-acquired pneumonia in working-age adults (PAF, 10%). Conclusions: Workplace exposures contribute to the burden of disease across a range of nonmalignant lung conditions in adults (in addition to the 100% burden for the classic occupational pneumoconioses). This burden has important clinical, research, and policy implications. There is a pressing need to improve clinical recognition and public health awareness of the contribution of occupational factors across a range of nonmalignant respiratory diseases.
Collapse
|
36
|
Tissue Accumulation of Microplastics and Toxic Effects: Widespread Health Risks of Microplastics Exposure. THE HANDBOOK OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/698_2020_454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
37
|
Rodrigues MO, Abrantes N, Gonçalves FJM, Nogueira H, Marques JC, Gonçalves AMM. Impacts of plastic products used in daily life on the environment and human health: What is known? ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2019; 72:103239. [PMID: 31472322 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2019.103239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are indispensable and persistent materials used in daily life that can be fragmented into micro- or nanoplastics. They are long polymer chains mixed with additives that can be toxic when in contact with distinct species. The toxicity can result from polymer matrix, additives, degradation products and adsorbed contaminants. Notwithstanding, there is still an immense gap of information concerning the individual and mixed impacts of plastics. Hence, in this study, we characterize the most common plastic materials widely used in our daily life by its polymer type and compile the environmental and human health hazards of these polymers including the impacts of monomers, additives, degradation products and adsorbed contaminants based on literature review. In summary, polyvinyl chloride is the most toxic polymer type used daily (monomer and additives); additives are more toxic than monomers to wildlife and humans; and the most toxic additives are benzene, phthalates and lead stabilisers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M O Rodrigues
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - N Abrantes
- Department of Environment and Planning & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - F J M Gonçalves
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - H Nogueira
- Department of Chemistry & CICECO, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - J C Marques
- MARE, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A M M Gonçalves
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; MARE, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Vianello A, Jensen RL, Liu L, Vollertsen J. Simulating human exposure to indoor airborne microplastics using a Breathing Thermal Manikin. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8670. [PMID: 31209244 PMCID: PMC6573036 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45054-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans are potentially exposed to microplastics through food, drink, and air. The first two pathways have received quite some scientific attention, while little is known about the latter. We address the exposure of humans to indoor airborne microplastics using a Breathing Thermal Manikin. Three apartments were investigated, and samples analysed through FPA-µFTIR-Imaging spectroscopy followed by automatic analyses down to 11 µm particle size. All samples were contaminated with microplastics, with concentrations between 1.7 and 16.2 particles m-3. Synthetic fragments and fibres accounted, on average, for 4% of the total identified particles, while nonsynthetic particles of protein and cellulose constituted 91% and 4%, respectively. Polyester was the predominant synthetic polymer in all samples (81%), followed by polyethylene (5%), and nylon (3%). Microplastics were typically of smaller size than nonsynthetic particles. As the identified microplastics can be inhaled, these results highlight the potential direct human exposure to microplastic contamination via indoor air.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alvise Vianello
- Department of Civil Engineering, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220, Aalborg Øst, Denmark.
| | - Rasmus Lund Jensen
- Department of Civil Engineering, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220, Aalborg Øst, Denmark
| | - Li Liu
- School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Haidian District, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Jes Vollertsen
- Department of Civil Engineering, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220, Aalborg Øst, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Cummings KJ, Johns DO, Mazurek JM, Hearl FJ, Weissman DN. NIOSH's Respiratory Health Division: 50 years of science and service. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2019; 74:15-29. [PMID: 30501580 PMCID: PMC6490691 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2018.1532387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The year 2017 marked the 50th anniversary of NIOSH's Respiratory Health Division (RHD). RHD began in 1967 as the Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Respiratory Diseases (ALFORD), with a focus on coal workers' pneumoconiosis. ALFORD became part of NIOSH in 1971 and added activities to address work-related respiratory disease more generally. Health hazard evaluations played an important role in understanding novel respiratory hazards such as nylon flock, diacetyl, and indium-tin oxide. Epidemiologic and laboratory studies addressed many respiratory hazards, including coal mine dust, silica, asbestos, cotton dust, beryllium, diesel exhaust, and dampness and mold. Surveillance activities tracked the burden of diseases and enhanced the quality of spirometry and chest radiography used to screen workers. RHD's efforts to improve scientific understanding, inform strategies for prevention, and disseminate knowledge remain important now and for the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin J. Cummings
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Doug O. Johns
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jacek M. Mazurek
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Frank J. Hearl
- Office of the Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Washington, DC, USA
| | - David N. Weissman
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Karbalaei S, Hanachi P, Walker TR, Cole M. Occurrence, sources, human health impacts and mitigation of microplastic pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:36046-36063. [PMID: 30382517 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3508-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
The presence and accumulation of plastic and microplastic (MP) debris in the natural environment is of increasing concern and has become the focus of attention for many researchers. Plastic debris is a prolific, long-lived pollutant that is highly resistant to environmental degradation, readily adheres hydrophobic persistent organic pollutants and is linked to morbidity and mortality in numerous aquatic organisms. The prevalence of MPs within the natural environment is a symptom of continuous and rapid growth in synthetic plastic production and mismanagement of plastic waste. Many terrestrial and marine-based processes, including domestic and industrial drainage, maritime activities agricultural runoff and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) effluent, contribute to MP pollution in aquatic environments. MPs have been identified in food consumed by human and in air samples, and exposure to MPs via ingestion or inhalation could lead to adverse human health effects. Regulations in many countries have already been established or will soon be implemented to reduce MPs in aquatic environments. This review focuses on the occurrence, sources, and transport of MPs in terrestrial and aquatic environments to highlight potential human health effects, and applicable regulations to mitigate impacts of MPs. This study also highlights the importance of personality traits and cognitive ability in reducing the entry of MPs into the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Karbalaei
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Parichehr Hanachi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Prata JC. Airborne microplastics: Consequences to human health? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 234:115-126. [PMID: 29172041 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 580] [Impact Index Per Article: 96.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have recently been detected in atmospheric fallout in Greater Paris. Due to their small size, they can be inhaled and may induce lesions in the respiratory system dependent on individual susceptibility and particle properties. Even though airborne microplastics are a new topic, several observational studies have reported the inhalation of plastic fibers and particles, especially in exposed workers, often coursing with dyspnea caused by airway and interstitial inflammatory responses. Even though environmental concentrations are low, susceptible individuals may be at risk of developing similar lesions. To better understand airborne microplastics risk to human health, this work summarizes current knowledge with the intention of developing awareness and future research in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joana Correia Prata
- University Fernando Pessoa, Fernando Pessoa Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit (FP ENAS), Praça 9 de Abril, 349, Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Balmes JR. AJRCCM: 100-Year Anniversary. Clearing the Air: Indoors, Outdoors, and At Work. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2017; 195:1100-1103. [PMID: 28459315 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201701-0152ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- John R Balmes
- 1 Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine University of California, San Francisco San Francisco, California and.,2 Division of Environmental Health Sciences University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, California
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
Microplastics are a pollutant of environmental concern. Their presence in food destined for human consumption and in air samples has been reported. Thus, microplastic exposure via diet or inhalation could occur, the human health effects of which are unknown. The current review article draws upon cross-disciplinary scientific literature to discuss and evaluate the potential human health impacts of microplastics and outlines urgent areas for future research. Key literature up to September 2016 relating to accumulation, particle toxicity, and chemical and microbial contaminants was critically examined. Although microplastics and human health is an emerging field, complementary existing fields indicate potential particle, chemical and microbial hazards. If inhaled or ingested, microplastics may accumulate and exert localized particle toxicity by inducing or enhancing an immune response. Chemical toxicity could occur due to the localized leaching of component monomers, endogenous additives, and adsorbed environmental pollutants. Chronic exposure is anticipated to be of greater concern due to the accumulative effect that could occur. This is expected to be dose-dependent, and a robust evidence-base of exposure levels is currently lacking. Although there is potential for microplastics to impact human health, assessing current exposure levels and burdens is key. This information will guide future research into the potential mechanisms of toxicity and hence therein possible health effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Wright
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, King's College London , London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Frank J Kelly
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Analytical and Environmental Sciences, King's College London , London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Cummings KJ, Kreiss K. Occupational and environmental bronchiolar disorders. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2015; 36:366-78. [PMID: 26024345 DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1549452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Occupational and environmental causes of bronchiolar disorders are recognized on the basis of case reports, case series, and, less commonly, epidemiologic investigations. Pathology may be limited to the bronchioles or also involve other components of the respiratory tract, including the alveoli. A range of clinical, functional, and radiographic findings, including symptomatic disease lacking abnormalities on noninvasive testing, poses a diagnostic challenge and highlights the value of surgical biopsy. Disease clusters in workplaces and communities have identified new etiologies, drawn attention to indolent disease that may otherwise have been categorized as idiopathic, and expanded the spectrum of histopathologic responses to an exposure. More sensitive noninvasive diagnostic tools, evidence-based therapies, and ongoing epidemiologic investigation of at-risk populations are needed to identify, treat, and prevent exposure-related bronchiolar disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin J Cummings
- Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Kathleen Kreiss
- Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Nemery B, Hoet PH. Humidifier disinfectant-associated interstitial lung disease and the Ardystil syndrome. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2015; 191:116-7. [PMID: 25551352 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201409-1726le] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Nemery
- 1 KU Leuven Center for Environment and Health Leuven, Belgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Attarchi M, Dehghan F, Yazdanparast T, Mohammadi S, Golchin M, Sadeghi Z, Moafi M, Seyed Mehdi SM. Occupational asthma in a cable manufacturing company. IRANIAN RED CRESCENT MEDICAL JOURNAL 2014; 16:e9105. [PMID: 25558389 PMCID: PMC4270639 DOI: 10.5812/ircmj.9105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 08/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: During the past decade, incidence of asthma has increased, which might have been due to environmental exposures. Objectives: Considering the expansion of cable manufacturing industry in Iran, the present study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of occupational asthma in a cable manufacturing company in Iran as well as its related factors. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted on employees of a cable manufacturing company in Yazd, Iran, in 2012. The workers were divided into two groups of exposure (to toluene diisocyanate, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or polypropylene) and without exposure. Diagnosis of occupational asthma was made based on the subjects’ medical history, spirometry and peak flowmetry, and its frequency was compared between the two groups. Results: The overall prevalence of occupational asthma was 9.7%. This rate was 13.8% in the exposed group. Logistic regression analysis showed that even after adjustment for confounding factors, a significant correlation existed between the frequency of occupational asthma and exposure to the produced dust particles (P < 0.05). In addition, age, work experience, body mass index, cigarette smoking and shift work had significant correlations with the prevalence of occupational asthma (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Considering the high prevalence of occupational asthma among cable manufacturing company workers in Iran, this issue needs to be addressed immediately in addition to reduction of exposure among subjects. Reduction in work shift duration, implementation of tobacco control and cessation programs for the personnel, and performing spirometry tests and respiratory examinations in shorter periods may be among effective measures for reducing the incidence of occupational asthma in this industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirsaeed Attarchi
- Department of Occupational Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Faezeh Dehghan
- Department of Occupational Medicine, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Taraneh Yazdanparast
- Research Center of Chronic Respiratory Disease, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Saber Mohammadi
- Department of Occupational Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Mahdie Golchin
- Department of Occupational Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Zargham Sadeghi
- Research Center of Work and Environment, Petroleum Industry Health Organization (PIHO), Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Masoud Moafi
- Department of Occupational Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Seyed Mehdi
- Research Center of Chronic Respiratory Disease, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding Author: Seyed Mohammad Seyed Mehdi, Research Center of Chronic Respiratory Disease, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel: +98-217123000, Fax: +98-2126109484,, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Carrillo J, Restrepo CS, Rosado de Christenson M, Ojeda Leon P, Lucia Rivera A, Koss MN. Lymphoproliferative lung disorders: a radiologic-pathologic overview. Part I: Reactive disorders. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2014; 34:525-34. [PMID: 24332204 DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2013.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Lymphoid tissue is a normal component of the lung and manifests as intrapulmonary lymph nodes, bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT), peripheral lymphocytic aggregates, solitary lymphocytes, and phagocytic cells. Pulmonary lymphoid lesions are thought to develop as a consequence of anomalous stimulation and response of the bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue and manifests as a spectrum of lymphoproliferative disorders that may be reactive or neoplastic. Reactive disorders are polyclonal abnormalities and include nodular lymphoid hyperplasia, lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia, follicular bronchiolitis, angiofollicular hyperplasia, and enlarged intrapulmonary lymph nodes. Affected patients are often asymptomatic. Imaging findings include focal nodules, diffuse bilateral centrilobular nodules, and hilar or mediastinal masses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Carrillo
- Department of Radiology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota, DC
| | - Carlos S Restrepo
- Department of Radiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX.
| | | | | | - Aura Lucia Rivera
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Universiatario Mayor Mederi, Bogota, DC
| | - Micheal N Koss
- Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Lougheed MD, Turcotte SE, Chee A, Walsh R, Grant FC, Liss GM, Boag AH, Forkert L. Response. Chest 2014; 145:186-187. [PMID: 24394839 DOI: 10.1378/chest.13-2229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M Diane Lougheed
- Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada; Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - Scott E Turcotte
- Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada; Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Alex Chee
- Queen's University, Calgary, AB, Canada; Kingston General Hospital, Calgary, AB, Canada; University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ronald Walsh
- Walsh & Associates Occupational Health Services, Ltd, Belleville, ON, Canada
| | | | - Gary M Liss
- Gage Occupational and Environmental Health Unit, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Lutz Forkert
- Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada; Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Turcotte SE, Chee A, Walsh R, Grant FC, Liss GM, Boag A, Forkert L, Munt PW, Lougheed MD. Flock Worker's Lung Disease. Chest 2013; 143:1642-1648. [DOI: 10.1378/chest.12-0920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
|
50
|
Sauler M, Gulati M. Newly recognized occupational and environmental causes of chronic terminal airways and parenchymal lung disease. Clin Chest Med 2013; 33:667-80. [PMID: 23153608 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2012.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
With the introduction of new materials and changes in manufacturing practices, occupational health investigators continue to uncover associations between novel exposures and chronic forms of diffuse parenchymal lung disease and terminal airways disease. To discern exposure-disease relationships, clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for the potential toxicity of occupational and environmental exposures. This article details several newly recognized chronic parenchymal and terminal airways. Diseases related to exposure to indium, nylon flock, diacetyl used in the flavorings industry, nanoparticles, and the World Trade Center disaster are reviewed. Also reviewed are methods in worker surveillance and the potential use of biomarkers in the evaluation of exposure-disease relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maor Sauler
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 15 York Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|