Addressing the relevance of polystyrene nano- and microplastic particles used to support exposure, toxicity and risk assessment: implications and recommendations.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There has been an exponential increase in the number of studies reporting on the toxicological effects associated with exposure to nano and microplastic particles (NMPs). The majority of these studies, however, have used monodispersed polystyrene microspheres (PSMs) as 'model' particles. Here we review the differences between the manufacture and resulting physicochemical properties of polystyrene used in commerce and the PSMs most commonly used in toxicity studies.

Main body

In general, we demonstrate that significant complexity exists as to the properties of polystyrene particles. Differences in chemical composition, size, shape, surface functionalities and other aspects raise doubt as to whether PSMs are fit-for-purpose for the study of potential adverse effects

SUBMITTER: Gouin T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11429038 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature