The lull before microplastics pollution outbreaks: Some implications for human health and control strategies

Microplastic pollution (MPs, plastics with a particle size < 5 mm) has attracted worldwide attention. In the last five years, increased literature has pointed out that humans may unconsciously uptake a large number of MPs in daily life. However, the specific risks of MPs to humans and the biological mechanisms that underlie such effects remain to explore. This review categorizes MPs' potential health risks by focusing on the three primary pollution sources. An in-depth analysis of the pharmacokinetics (absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion process), toxicity potential, and biological mechanism of MPs in the human body is then carried out, aiming to fill the gaps in knowledge regarding the toxicity of MPs on human health as well as provide ideas for scientists in the field of life science to repair the damage caused by MPs to the human body. Besides, chemical, physical, and biological factors that might influence the toxicity of MPs will be summarized and discussed further. This review will also propose control mechanisms and management strategies that could minimize such risk, which might cause a new round of technological changes in the polymer/plastic industries.