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Luo D, Chu X, Wu Y, Wang Z, Liao Z, Ji X, Ju J, Yang B, Chen Z, Dahlgren R, Zhang M, Shang X. Micro- and nano-plastics in the atmosphere: A review of occurrence, properties and human health risks. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133412. [PMID: 38218034 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133412] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquitous occurrence of micro/nano plastics (MNPs) poses potential threats to ecosystem and human health that have attracted broad concerns in recent decades. Detection of MNPs in several remote regions has implicated atmospheric transport as an important pathway for global dissemination of MNPs and hence as a global health risk. In this review, the latest research progress on (1) sampling and detection; (2) origin and characteristics; and (3) transport and fate of atmospheric MNPs was summarized. Further, the current status of exposure risks and toxicological effects from inhaled atmospheric MNPs on human health is examined. Due to limitations in sampling and identification methodologies, the study of atmospheric nanoplastics is very limited today. The large spatial variation of atmospheric MNP concentrations reported worldwide makes it difficult to compare the overall indoor and outdoor exposure risks. Several in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological studies demonstrate adverse effects of immune response, apoptosis and oxidative stress caused by MNP inhalation that may induce cardiovascular diseases and reproductive and developmental abnormalities. Given the emerging importance of atmospheric MNPs, the establishment of standardized sampling-pretreatment-detection protocols and comprehensive toxicological studies are critical to advance environmental and health risk assessments of atmospheric MNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehua Luo
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xinyun Chu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zhenfeng Wang
- 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
| | - Xiaoliang Ji
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jingjuan Ju
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Pingyang County Health Inspection Center, Wenzhou 325405, China.
| | - Zheng Chen
- 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
| | - Minghua Zhang
- 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.
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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.
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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
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Grote K, Brüstle F, Vlacil AK. Cellular and Systemic Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Mammals-What We Know So Far. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:3123. [PMID: 37109957 PMCID: PMC10145381 DOI: 10.3390/ma16083123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP) are accumulating more and more in our environment and have been frequently detected in water and soil, but also in a variety of mainly marine organisms. Polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene are those most commonly found. Once in the environment, MP/NP are carriers for many other substances, which often convey toxic effects. Even though intuitively it is thought that ingesting MP/NP cannot be healthy, little is known about their effects on mammalian cells and organisms so far. To better understand the potential hazards of MP/NP on humans and to offer an overview of the already associated pathological effects, we conducted a comprehensive literature review on cellular effects, as well as experimental animal studies on MP/NP in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Grote
- Cardiology and Angiology, Philipps-University Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Brüstle
- Cardiology and Angiology, Philipps-University Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Vlacil
- Stem Cell Unit, Department of Cardiovascular Research, Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
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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.
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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
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Munyaneza J, Jia Q, Qaraah FA, Hossain MF, Wu C, Zhen H, Xiu G. A review of atmospheric microplastics pollution: In-depth sighting of sources, analytical methods, physiognomies, transport and risks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 822:153339. [PMID: 35077799 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Micro-sized plastics were first examined for atmospheric environment in 2016. From then on, they have been detected in both indoor and outdoor atmospheric samples, with indoor environments demonstrated as containing a big proportion of these particles. The sparse distribution of these particles, is attributed to their swift and long distance transportation that is mainly eased by their tiny size (1 μm to 5 mm) and low density. Due to ongoing limitation on detectable size, analysis methods together with a lack of standardized sampling and analytical procedures, few studies were conducted on airborne microplastics (MPs). Thus, the facts regarding the occurrence, global spatial distribution, fate, and threats to ecosystem and human health of airborne MPs, are still far from being fully clarified. This literature review is a broad depiction of a state of knowledge on atmospheric MPs. Within it, robust and concise information on the sources, inspection, transport, and threats pertaining to airborne MPs are presented. Particularly, the paper entails some information concerning traffic-generated MPs pollution, which has not been frequently discussed within previously published reports. In addition, this paper has widely unveiled sectors and aspects in need of further attention, with the gaps to be filled pinpointed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janvier Munyaneza
- Shanghai Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Environmental Standard and Risk Management of Chemical Pollutants, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; State Environmental Protection Key Lab of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Processes, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Qilong Jia
- Shanghai Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Environmental Standard and Risk Management of Chemical Pollutants, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Fahim A Qaraah
- Shanghai Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Environmental Standard and Risk Management of Chemical Pollutants, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Md Faysal Hossain
- Shanghai Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Environmental Standard and Risk Management of Chemical Pollutants, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Chengzi Wu
- Shanghai Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Environmental Standard and Risk Management of Chemical Pollutants, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Huajun Zhen
- Shanghai Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Environmental Standard and Risk Management of Chemical Pollutants, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; State Environmental Protection Key Lab of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Processes, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Guangli Xiu
- Shanghai Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Environmental Standard and Risk Management of Chemical Pollutants, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; State Environmental Protection Key Lab of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Processes, School of Resources & Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
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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.
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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
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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: 579] [Impact Index Per Article: 96.5] [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.
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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.
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Wylie AG, Skinner HC, Marsh J, Snyder H, Garzione C, Hodkinson D, Winters R, Mossman BT. Mineralogical features associated with cytotoxic and proliferative effects of fibrous talc and asbestos on rodent tracheal epithelial and pleural mesothelial cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1997; 147:143-50. [PMID: 9356317 DOI: 10.1006/taap.1997.8276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Inhalation of asbestos fibers causes cell damage and increases in cell proliferation in various cell types of the lung and pleura in vivo. By using a colony-forming efficiency (CFE) assay, the cytotoxicity and proliferative potential of three mineral samples containing various proportions of fibrous talc were compared to NIEHS samples of crocidolite and chrysotile asbestos in cell types giving rise to tracheobronchial carcinomas, i.e., hamster tracheal epithelial (HTE) cells, and mesotheliomas, i.e., rat pleural mesothelial (RPM) cells. Characterization of mineralogical composition, surface area, and size distributions as well as proportions of fibers in all mineral samples allowed examination of data by various dose parameters including equal weight concentrations, numbers of fibers >5 micron in length, and equivalent surface areas. Exposure to samples of asbestos caused increased numbers of colonies of HTE cells, an indication of proliferative potential, but fibrous talc did not. RPMs did not exhibit increased CFE in response to either asbestos or talc samples. Decreased numbers of colonies, an indication of cytotoxicity, were observed in both cell types and were more striking at lower weight concentrations of asbestos in comparison to talc samples. However, all samples of fibrous minerals produced comparable dose-response effects when dose was measured as numbers of fibers greater than 5 micron or surface area. The unique proliferative response of HTE cells to asbestos could not be explained by differences in fiber dimensions or surface areas, indicating an important role of mineralogical composition rather than size of fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Wylie
- Department of Geology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
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Morris GF, Liu JY, Lei WH, Brody AR. Expression of genes coding for growth factors in experimental pneumoconiosis. Chest 1996; 109:45S-49S. [PMID: 8598151 DOI: 10.1378/chest.109.3_supplement.45s-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- G F Morris
- Program in Lung Biology, Department of Pathology, Tulane University Medical Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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