Micro and Nanoplastics in Greenhouse Workers: Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect

New Tools for the Detection of Micro and NanoPLastics (MNPLs) in Greenhouse Workers as a Population Highly Exposed to Plastics: Effect on Different Biomarkers of Genotoxic Effect

MNPLs effects on human health are still preliminary. Workers exposed to plastic residues are exposed constantly to MNPLs. One of these jobs corresponds to greenhouse workers, that could be considered as a population highly exposed to plastics. The objective of the research is to be able to detect MNPLs on body fluids as well as their potential genotoxic and immunological damage.

The exponential increase in the production/use of plastic translates into a parallel increase of environmental plastic waste that is continuously degraded into MNPLs. Information on the MNPLs' effects on human health is still preliminary and, furthermore, the limitations in current methodologies prevent accurate exposure/risk assessment.

This observational study will obtain body samples of greenhouse workers and from a control group. That would allow optimizing specific biomarkers of human MNPLs exposure and the characterization of biomarkers of early effect that allows an association among the exposure to MNPLs and effects on human health.

Inclusion Criteria of workers exposed to plastic residues:

• Working in an operating greenhouse for a period of 1 month or more
• Age over 18 years old
• Absence of chronic pathology including neoplasia
• Absence of infectious disease at the date of sample collection and for a period of more than 2 weeks
• Spanish residence

Inclusion Criteria of controls :

• Age over 18 years old. Matched by age, gender, and lifestyle to the exposed group.
• Absence of chronic pathology including neoplasia
• Absence of infectious disease at the date of sample collection and for a period of more than 2 weeks
• Spanish residence

Exclusion Criteria of workers exposed to plastic residues:

• Participation in another clinical study
• Pregnancy
• Unsigned informed consent

Exclusion Criteria of controls:

• Participation in another clinical study
• Pregnancy
• Unsigned informed consent