A four-year study reveals how micro- and nanoplastics interact with human cells, animals, and exposed individuals, uncovering risks and biological impacts.
(Nanowerk News) Microplastics and nanoplastics, two of the smallest and most invisible forms of plastic pollution, may pose risks to human health. This is one of the main conclusions of the European project PlasticHeal, coordinated by the UAB, which has led an extensive European research effort on the effects of nanoplastics on health.
Health effects
- Cell damage and oxidative stress: Micro- and nanoplastics induce DNA damage, affect mitochondrial function, and alter essential cell communication mechanisms. This can lead to chronic inflammation, immune system alterations, and increased sensitivity to other known pollutants, such as arsenic and tobacco. These mechanisms and reactions may be linked to various diseases and require further observation and study.
- Systemic exposure: It has been proven that different types of nanoplastics can cross the intestinal barrier, enter the bloodstream, and spreadthroughout various organs and tissues. The team has identified how these particles enter the body, how they behave at the cellular level, and how they accumulate over time.
- Vulnerable populations: Studies have begun identifying population groups at greater risk of exposure or susceptibility, such as individuals with pre-existing conditions or specific environmental factors. This research line remains open to determine the actual scope of this risk. The findings support the need for a more in-depth analysis of the risks associated with micro- and nanoplastic exposure to establish safe exposure levels and regulatory criteria to protect public health.
Pioneering tools for detecting and assessing nanoplastic risks
- Advanced detection techniques: The team has adapted RAMAN and FTIR microscopy to detect and quantify nanoplastics in human tissues such as breath, blood, and urine. These tools allow the study of how these particles accumulate over time and are key to evaluating their long-term effects, a crucial analysis since, due to the persistence of plastics, we are exposed to them throughout our lives.
- A unique risk assessment tool: The project has developed PlasticRiskCat, a methodology for categorizing risks associated with different types of micro- and nanoplastics. This system uses a systematic approach to analyze validated scientific data on polymers, additives, and contaminants to communicate risks clearly. Despite current limitations, PlasticRiskCat represents a first step toward a systematic risk assessment of micro- and nanoplastics, as it is based on real data obtained from research over the past four years. This approach allows for identifying key concerns, setting priorities for future studies, and directing research toward the most critical aspects. While it is not yet a definitive risk assessment model, it is a tool adapted to the current maturity level of research, integrating available scientific evidence and evolving as new data becomes available.
