Applying existing particle paradigms to inhaled microplastic particles
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Wright, Stephanie
Borm, Paul JA
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Ambient particulate pollution originating from plastic contaminates air, including indoor and urban environments. The recent discovery of ambient microplastic (MP) particles of a size capable of depositing in the thoracic region of the airway, if inhaled, has raised concern for public exposure and health impacts following lessons learned from other particle domains. Current microplastic exposure estimates are relatively low compared to total ambient particulate matter, but optimal analytical techniques and therefore data for risk and health impact assessments are lacking. In the absence of such an evidence base, this paper explores paradigms, metrics and dose-response curves developed in other particle domains as a starting point for predicting whether microplastic are of concern. Bio-persistence, presence of reactive sites and soluble toxicants are likely key properties in microplastic toxicity, but these are not measured in environmental studies and hence are challenging to interpret in exposure. Data from a MP inhalation study in rats is available but the study was conducted using conditions that do not replicate the known human health effects of PM2.5 or surrogate exposures: compromised, aged animal models are recommended to investigate potential parallels between MPs and PM2.5. One of these parallels is provided by tire wear particles (TWP), which form part of current ambient PM and are sometimes regarded as microplastic. A connection to epidemiological studies where PM filters are still available is recommended and consequently analytical advances are required. In summary, established particle domains and existing paradigms provide valuable insight and data that can be used to predict MP toxicity, and direct study design and key properties to consider in this emerging field.
Date Issued
2022-05-30
Date Acceptance
2022-05-11
Citation
Frontiers in Public Health, 2022, 10
ISSN
2296-2565
Publisher
Frontiers Media S.A.
Journal / Book Title
Frontiers in Public Health
Volume
10
Copyright Statement
© 2022 Wright and Borm. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35712293
Subjects
BIODEGRADABILITY
BLACK
CARBON
exposure
FIBERS
FINE PARTICULATE MATTER
INFLAMMATION
inhalation [MeSH]
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
LUNG
MECHANISMS
microplastic
particle toxicology
particulate matter
physicochemical properties
PM2.5
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Science & Technology
TOXICITY
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
Switzerland
Article Number
868822
Date Publish Online
2022-05-30