Newly Emerging Airborne Pollutants: Current Knowledge of Health Impact of Micro and Nanoplastics

Abstract

Plastics are ubiquitous persistent pollutants, forming the most representative material of the Anthropocene. In the environment, they undergo wear and tear (i.e., mechanical fragmentation, and slow photo and thermo-oxidative degradation) forming secondary microplastics (MPs). Further fragmentation of primary and secondary MPs results in nanoplastics (NPs). To assess potential health damage due to human exposure to airborne MPs and NPs, we summarize the evidence collected to date that, however, has almost completely focused on monitoring and the effects of airborne MPs. Only in vivo and in vitro studies have assessed the toxicity of NPs, and a standardized method for their analysis in environmental matrices is still missing. The main sources of indoor and outdoor exposure to these pollutants include synthetic textile fibers, rubber tires, upholstery and household furniture, and landfills. Although both MPs and NPs can reach the alveolar surface, the latter can pass into the bloodstream, overcoming the pulmonary epithelial barrier. Despite the low reactivity, the number of surface area atoms per unit mass is high in MPs and NPs, greatly enhancing the surface area for chemical reactions with bodily fluids and tissue in direct contact. This is proven in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and flock workers, who are prone to persistent inflammatory stimulation, leading to pulmonary fibrosis or even carcinogenesis.

Advanced microplastic monitoring using Raman spectroscopy with a combination of nanostructure-based substrates

“…It is recognized that evidence has emerged that airborne MNP particle pollutants damage health due to their production processes and uses [ 10 , 106 ]. The inhalation of MNP particles is a critical issue associated with health risks [ 24 ].…”

“…The implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on plastic pollution have become one of the most pressing environmental issues [ 7 , 8 ]. For example, the harmful effects of either polycarbonate microplastics [ 9 ] or PS MNPs may critically impact the health of plastic factory workers and general consumers who use these products due to their uptake via various routes, including inhalation [ 10 , 11 ], dermal contact [ 12 , 13 ], and ingestion of PS-contaminated foods, water, and marine products [ 14 , 15 ].…”

“…Consequently, a series of studies on the chronic toxicity of MNP exposure has reported on potential risks that may be linked to various human health issues, including endocrine disturbances, reproductive toxicity [ 32 ], neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, liver toxicity [ 14 ], cardiac fibrosis [ 33 ], pulmonary fibrosis, and even carcinogenesis [ 10 ]. Additionally, a line of proof has emerged of negative effects from exposure to PS MNPs and additives for blood plasma [ 34 , 35 ] and human health [ 36 ].…”

Public face masks wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic: A comprehensive analysis is needed for potential implications

“…Secondly, the overall exposure of semi-VOCs and VOCs contaminates can be higher if there is a secondary source, such as the level of organic contaminants in applied cosmetics and the surrounding air. These background sources of contamination can alter the physicochemical characteristics of airborne microplastics owing to their large surface area ( Facciolà et al, 2021 ). Their large surface area favors surface oxidation, a process crucial to altering its affinity for other substances (e.g., metals and hydrophobic compounds) and the absorption of several types of contaminants (e.g., POPs) upon environmental exposure.…”

The Biological Effects of Polystyrene Nanoplastics on Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes

“…NPs can enter living organisms through inhalation, ingestion via food and water, and also through dermal absorption [ 9 , 10 ]. Most airborne NPs can reach the alveolar surface and pass into the bloodstream, thereby initiating inflammatory reactions, leading to pulmonary fibrosis or even carcinogenesis [ 11 , 12 ]. Even the ingested MPs and NPs can be uptaken by gut enterocytes, accumulate in villi and release into the bloodstream, and reach other organs and tissues [ 13 ].…”