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Updated: Oct 8, 2025
Forming Micro-and Nano-Plastics from Agricultural Plastic Films for Employment in Fundamental Research Studies
Published on: July 27, 2022
Human and ecological health effects of nanoplastics: may not be a tiny problem
Michael F Hughes1, Haley M Clapper2, Robert M Burgess3
1U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Chemical Characterization and Exposure Division, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
Abstract:
Nanoplastics (NPs) are present in food, soil, water, air and personal care products, resulting in concern regarding exposure and potential adverse effects. NPs principally arise from the degradation of larger-sized plastic particles. The uptake and effects of NPs in humans is not yet known. However, recent laboratory studies have documented the uptake and adverse effects of NPs from the cellular to the community level. As NPs are in the size range of particles that can be absorbed by cells, research on these materials should be accelerated to properly assess their potential risks.
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