The Promise and Peril of Plastics in Modern Society
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.68903/vjta.2026.v07i02.03Keywords:
Environmental threat, Microfibers, Microplastics, Nanoplastics, ToxicityAbstract
A key global pollutant threatening the environment and human health is micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs), which are widely produced and often improperly discarded. MNPs are microscopic particles ranging from 1 μm to 5mm and <1 μm, respectively, that inundate and accumulate across every ecosystem. Secondary MPs form when plastics break down, while primary MPs are intentionally added to many products. Once in ecosystems, these particles enter the food chain, posing serious health risks to the organisms that consume them. The presence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in various human tissues and organs clearly indicates that they can cross biological barriers. The presence of this unwanted menace inside the vital organs raises concerns about their possible toxic health hazards. Their mere presence might cause molecular alterations at the cellular level due to the toxic chemicals they might leach. It is reported that MNPs are likely to play a key role in the development and spread of various malignancies through chronic exposure. This review presents an overview of MPs' presence in the environment and their known potential health effects, focusing on specific organ-barrier breaches.
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