The Relationship Between Microplastics and Nanoplastics with Cancer: An Emerging Health Concern

There is an increasing apprehension surrounding the potential health implications associated with prolonged exposure to environmental micro- and nano-plastics (MNPLs) on the human population. Microplastics pose significant threats to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, entering water bodies through various pathways and accumulating in sediments. Additionally, they infiltrate terrestrial environments, spreading contamination through air, water, and soil, impacting soil health and potentially entering the food chain. Likewise, humans encounter microplastics through diverse exposure routes. Studies have demonstrated that multiple substances involved in oncogenetic pathways can trigger carcinogenesis in the human body, leading to various cancers such a colorectal, liver, lung, skin, breast, biliary tract, leukemia, and pancreatic cancers. In this review, we examine the literature highlighting this emerging health issue. Keywords: Microplastics, Nanoplastics, Oncogenesis, Cancers