Work

Micro(Nano)Plastics as Carriers of Toxic Agents and Their Impact on Human Health

Year: 2023

Type: book-chapter

Abstract: Currently, globally the demand and production of plastic items are increasing exorbitantly, generating a large amount of waste, and polluting the ecosystem, a site in which degradation processes are triggered, which give rise to smaller particles such as micro(nano)plastics (MNP). Continuous human exposure to these particles generates negative alterations in the host’s health. Three routes of MNP exposure or contact have been established: inhalation, ingestion of particles, and dermal absorption. Recently, it has been pointed out that microplastics (MP) can even be found in the human placenta. This chapter aims to compile and provide information on their role as conveyor vectors of agents potentially toxic to humans, mechanisms by which they enter the human body, their bioaccumulation, and health human effects.

Source: Environmental sciences

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.111889

Authors: Karla Lizzeth Morales-Cano, Leandro Hermida-Castellanos, Carlos M. Adame-Adame, Luis Alberto Peralta Peláez, Carolina Peña-Montes

Institution: Instituto Tecnológico de Veracruz

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Tecnológico Nacional de México