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Humans are exposed to toxic chemicals and microplastics at all stages in the plastics life cycle. Microplastics effects on human health are of growing concern and an area of research. The tiny particles known as microplastics (MPs), have been found in various environmental and biological matrices, including air, water, food, and human tissues.
[12] 35% of all ocean microplastics come from textiles/clothing, primarily due to the erosion of polyester, acrylic, or nylon-based clothing, often during the washing process. [13] Microplastics also accumulate in the air and terrestrial ecosystems. Airborne microplastics have been detected in the atmosphere, as well as indoors and outdoors.
A more recent concern in microplastic pollution is the use of plastic films in agriculture. 7.4 million tons of plastic film are used each year to increase food production. [22] Scientists have found that microbial biofilms can form within 7–14 days on plastic film surfaces, and have the ability to alter the chemical properties of the soil ...
A new study used 3D human skin-equivalent models to examine how flame retardant additives in microplastics are absorbed by the skin. The findings show that several flame-retardant additives passed ...
In particular, plastic pollution in the form of microplastics now can be found extensively in soil. It enters the soil by settling on the surface and eventually making its way into subsoils. [103] These microplastics find their way into plants and animals. [104] Effluent and sludge of wastewater contain large amounts of plastics.
A higher concentration of microplastics in glaciers indicates that transport via wind is a significant pathway to distribute microplastics in the environment. Microplastics can accumulate in the whitecaps of ocean waves or sea foam and increase the stability of breaking waves, potentially affecting sea albedo or atmosphere-ocean gas exchange ...
These microplastics may take longer to degrade than initially anticipated depending on environmental conditions. [ 6 ] Concerns have also been raised about the potential effects of microplastics on ecosystems, as well as the risk of bioaccumulation in food chains, which could impact both human health and the environment.
Clothing sheds microfibres in use, during washing and machine drying. Plastic litter slowly forms small particles. Microplastics which are present on the bottom of the river or seabed can be ingested by small marine life, thus entering the food chain.