Figure 2.

Routes of plastic particles entry into human body. There are three key routes for micro- and nanoplastics entry into the human body: Inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. Nanoplastics may interact with proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, ions, and water in human body, leading to the formation of coronated nanoplastic particles for absorption. The plastic particles can enter human body through ingestion of contaminated food and water supplies, or inhalation of the airborne plastic particles that originate from synthetic textiles and polluted outdoor air. While, the skin membrane is too fine for these plastic particles to pass through, nanoplastics may penetrate through wound and weakened skin barrier, directly or indirectly.