Plastics and plastic additives as inducers of oxidative stress

Abstract

As plastics in the environment break down to smaller particles, contain additives, trap environmental pollutants and cross cell membranes, there is growing concern about the toxicological consequences for humans and vulnerable aquatic species. Recent studies have shown the ability of plastic additives to disrupt oxidative metabolism and cause damage to macromolecules as part of their mechanism of action. This article focuses on human and fish cell models because they serve to unravel the mechanisms of action of plastic additives and to predict the consequences of exposure. In addition, some in vivo studies revealing the action of plastics and its additives on oxidative stress parameters in aquatic organisms are reviewed. The selected works highlight an alteration of the oxidative stress balance as one accepted mechanism of action of plastics and warn about the negative consequences on humans and wildlife.