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Types of Toxins

Types of Toxins

Humans continually engage with an environment rich in potentially harmful chemicals. These are introduced to our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. These chemicals exist in various forms, such as air and environmental pollutants, agricultural chemicals, organic solvents, and heavy metals.
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
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Updated: Jun 9, 2025

Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis

Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis

Published on: December 16, 2016

Human Exposure to Microplastics and Its Associated Health Risks.

Anqi Sun^1,2, Wen-Xiong Wang^1,2

¹School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 518057, China.

Environment & Health (Washington, D.C.)

|October 30, 2024

Summary

Microplastics are pervasive environmental contaminants. Emerging evidence shows their presence in human tissues and potential health risks, necessitating further research into human exposure and toxicity.

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Last Updated: Jun 9, 2025

Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis

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Published on: December 16, 2016

Sampling, Identification and Characterization of Microplastics Release from Polypropylene Baby Feeding Bottle during Daily Use

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Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris

Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris

Published on: July 28, 2018

Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Toxicology
Human Health Risk Assessment

Background:

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants with largely unknown human health implications.
Exposure routes include ingestion, inhalation, and dermal penetration, with evidence of MPs in human excrement, biofluids, and tissues.
Current toxicological data primarily relies on animal models and cell studies.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the current understanding of microplastic risks to human health.
To highlight key findings on MP presence in human samples and cellular toxicity.
To identify knowledge gaps in assessing MP risks under environmentally realistic conditions.

Main Methods:

Literature review of toxicological studies on microplastics.
Analysis of evidence for microplastic presence in human biological samples.
Evaluation of cellular-level impacts and potential for contaminant co-transport.

Main Results:

Microplastics detected in human excrement, biofluids, and tissues.
Identified potential impacts on energy homeostasis, gut microbiota, and nervous, immune, and reproductive systems.
Observed cellular toxicity affecting lysosomes, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and the nucleus.
Recognized MPs as vectors magnifying the toxicity of co-contaminants.

Conclusions:

Microplastics pose potential risks to human health, affecting multiple physiological systems and cellular structures.
Further research under environmentally realistic conditions is crucial for accurate risk prediction.
Dermal penetration requires further investigation as a significant exposure route.