Human Exposure to Nanoplastics and Its Toxicological and Environmental Implications

Abstract

This chapter per the authors investigates human exposure to nanoplastics and toxicodynamic responses arising from environmental persistence, biological translocation, and cross-interface exposure pathways within a One Health framework. Environmental formation and degradation processes are evaluated alongside transport across aquatic, atmospheric, and terrestrial matrices leading to ingestion, inhalation, dermal uptake, and systemic distribution. Mechanistic injury pathways are analyzed, including oxidative stress, inflammatory cascades, endocrine disruption, epithelial barrier impairment, and genotoxic effects across multiple organ systems. The chapter further addresses biomonitoring strategies, exposure quantification constraints, and limitations in long-term assessment within analytical standardization frameworks. By integrating exposure science with mechanistic toxicology and computational analytics, the chapter provides a structured perspective for interpreting nanoplastic-associated health risks across interconnected ecological and physiological systems.