Fibers; Microplastics; Air Pollution; Health risk; Inhalation; Micropollutants
Abstract :
[en] The annual production of plastic textile fibers has increased by more than 6% per year, reaching 60 million metric tons, about 16% of world plastic production. The degradation of these fibers
produces fibrous microplastics (MPs). Such MPs have been observed in atmospheric fallouts, as well as in indoor and outdoor environments. Some fibrous MPs may be inhaled. Most of them are likely to be subjected to mucociliary clearance; however, some may persist in the lung causing localized biological responses, including inflammation, especially in individuals with compromised clearance mechanisms. Associated contaminants such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) could desorb and lead to genotoxicity while the plastic itself and its additives (dyes, plasticizers) could lead to health effects including reproductive toxicity, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity.
Disciplines :
Environmental sciences & ecology
Author, co-author :
Gasperi, Johnny ✱; Université Paris-Est Créteil > Laboratoire Eau, Environnement et Systèmes urbains
Wright, Stephanie L. ✱; King's College London > MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health > Analytical and Environmental Sciences
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