Microplastics in the Environment: Intake Through the Food Chain and Cosmeceuticals, Human Exposure, and Health Concerns

Dear Colleagues,

In the past decade, microplastics (MPs) have become a worldwide concern due to their harmful effects on the environment and human health. Understanding the origin, formation, and transport of these particles is crucial to identifying their impacts on ecosystems and human well-being. Microplastics are found in water, soil, air, food chains, and various cosmetic formulations, representing a worldwide threat. In addition, microplastic particles are found in the bodies of animals, but also of humans, in ever-increasing amounts. It is essential to understand how microplastics are formed, how they spread, and how they affect ecosystems and humans in terms of exposure and intake. This knowledge is key to developing effective strategies for preventing, remediating, and managing their presence.

Currently, manufacturers create a wide range of products that significantly enhance the daily joys and pleasures of modern life. New products undergo regular safety testing and are often test-marketed to confirm that consumers recognize their advertised benefits. In particular, while there is little support for the regulation of cosmetics to be the same as drugs, there is a clear need for some form of compromise regarding cosmeceutical regulation. If cosmetic products are safe and beneficial, consumers will be satisfied and use them to enhance their mood and well-being. On the other hand, in urban environments, MPs mainly originate from the wear of car tires, shoes, factories, or air transport. These particles are carried by wind and, in isolated areas, settle on the ground or in water, where they can ultimately be inhaled by people. In the human body, these particles are deposited in the lungs, potentially contributing to issues such as a weakened immune system and various diseases such as infertility, nervous system problems, hearing loss, and even cancer.

Submissions may examine topics including, but not limited to, the following: (i) the particle size of MPs, in conjunction with analytical investigations regarding their chemical composition, as well as the risks of compositionally modified food/drugs/cosmeceuticals on human health; (ii) the way food, breeding, processing, transport, geographical conditions, etc., are analyzed statistically in order to establish well-founded hypotheses and interpretations regarding the source–cause–effect relationship of MPs; (iii) the origin/source of MPs contamination; and (iv) assessments of MPs’ impact on human health (e.g., adults and children) and potential health outcomes. We also invite contributions on topics other than the above areas, but which still fit within the scope of this Special Issue.

Dr. Raluca Maria Ştirbescu
Prof. Dr. Cristiana Radulescu
Guest Editors

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• microplastics
• environment
• food chain
• cosmeceuticals
• micro-FTIR
• micro-Raman
• thermoanalytical techniques
• health risk
• human concern