Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
10:16
Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis
Published on: December 16, 2016
Microplastics and Human Health: A Global Public Health Crisis
Pranay Lal1,2, Amit Yadav1,3, Yogesh P Singh1
1National Law University Tripura, Agartala, Tripura, India.
Summary
Microplastics pose a significant global health risk due to environmental contamination and pollutant concentration. Immediate action and policy changes are crucial to mitigate severe health effects, including respiratory diseases and cancer.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Microplastics (<5 mm) are pervasive environmental contaminants.
- Human exposure occurs via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact.
- These particles concentrate pollutants, increasing toxic chemical exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the escalating global health threat posed by microplastics.
- To underscore the inadequate regulatory frameworks and knowledge gaps.
- To advocate for immediate international action and policy development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on microplastic health impacts.
- Analysis of exposure pathways and toxicological mechanisms.
- Assessment of current regulatory landscapes and policy opportunities.
Main Results:
- Occupational groups show elevated risks of lung disease and cancer.
- Evidence suggests plastic-induced pathologies, including fatal respiratory scarring.
- Existing regulations fail to address complex microplastic-chemical mixtures.
Conclusions:
- Urgent, coordinated international action is needed to prevent irreversible health consequences.
- The Global Plastics Treaty presents a critical opportunity for intervention.
- Public health professionals must develop protocols for identifying and managing plastic-related health outcomes.
Keywords:
Cancersdevelopmental disordersglobal plastics treatymicroplasticsoccupational exposurepublic healthMore Related Videos
05:48Sampling, Identification and Characterization of Microplastics Release from Polypropylene Baby Feeding Bottle during Daily Use
Published on: July 24, 2021
05:31Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris
Published on: July 28, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:22Introduction to the Human Microbiota
Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity, and disease...
01:36Types 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.
Environmental pollutants like...
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
01:28Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a synthetic polymer widely utilized in the packaging industry, particularly for bottles and containers. Due to its chemical stability and durability, PET accumulates in the environment, contributing significantly to plastic pollution. It comprises repeating units of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, resulting in a semi-crystalline structure that is resistant to natural degradation processes.A notable breakthrough in plastic biodegradation came with the...
01:27Bioplastics
Bioplastics derived from microbial processes present a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), particularly polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs), have emerged as prominent candidates due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. These polymers are synthesized by a variety of bacteria, such as Cupriavidus necator and Pseudomonas putida, which naturally accumulate PHAs as intracellular carbon and energy reserves, especially under...
01:24Microbial Corrosion
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a significant form of material degradation caused by the metabolic activities of microorganisms. This phenomenon poses substantial challenges across various industries, including oil and gas, maritime, and water treatment sectors.MIC occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, archaea, and fungi, colonize metal surfaces, forming biofilms that alter the local electrochemical environment. These biofilms can lead to the production of corrosive...
01:18Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota
The human gut microbiome includes a diverse array of microbial species, including beneficial commensals and opportunistic pathogens, which interact to support host health. These microbes contribute to essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, immune system modulation, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. However, disruptions to this equilibrium—referred to as dysbiosis—can have widespread physiological consequences.Dysbiosis is often characterized by reduced microbial...