Plásticos invisibles, riesgos reales: una amenaza para la salud humana

Invisible plastics, real risks: a threat to human health

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29105/cienciauanl29.138-1

Keywords:

microplásticos, exposición humana, ingestión, inhalación, salud pública, microplastics, human exposure, ingestion, inhalation, public health

Abstract

Los microplásticos están presentes en agua, suelo, atmósfera, flora y fauna, además de que se han detectado en tejidos, fluidos y sistemas biológicos humanos, lo que genera preocupación por los efectos en la salud. La exposición ocurre por ingestión, inhalación, contacto dérmico y vías médicas relacionadas con dispositivos y procedimientos. Estudios in vitro y en animales muestran respuestas inflamatorias, estrés oxidativo, daño mitocondrial, alteraciones endocrinas y capacidad para transportar aditivos y contaminantes. La evidencia epidemiológica humana aún es limitada. Ante esta incertidumbre se recomienda aplicar el principio de precaución, implementar medidas de prevención y priorizar investigación sobre riesgos sanitarios.

Abstract

Microplastics are present in water, soil, the atmosphere, flora and fauna, and have also been detected in human tissues, fluids and biological systems, which raise concern about their effects on health. Human exposure occurs through ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact, and medical pathways related to devices and procedures. In vitro and animal studies provide evidence of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, endocrine alterations, and the ability to transport additives and contaminants. Human epidemiological evidence remains limited; given this uncertainty, the precautionary principle should be applied, preventive measures implemented and research on health risks prioritized.

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Author Biographies

Denise Margarita Rivera Rivera, UANL

Ingeniera en Geología Ambiental por la UAEH. Maestra
en Ciencias, con especialidad en Sistemas Ambientales,
por el ITESM, campus Monterrey. Doctora en Ciencias
en Conservación del Patrimonio Paisajístico por el IPN.
Realiza una estancia posdoctoral en el CIBYN-UANL. Es
candidata al SNII, nivel I.

Melissa Marlene Rodríguez Delgado, UANL

Química farmacéutica bióloga por la UANL. Doctora en Ciencias de la Ingeniería por el ITESM, campus Monterrey. Labora en la FCQ-UANL desarrollando biosensores para su aplicación en las ciencias ambientales. Mentora en los programas “Mujeres en la Ciencia UANL” y “Bécalas BeLead”. Pertenece al Cuerpo Académico Consolidado UANL-CA-372 “Procesos Microbiológicos”. Miembro del SNII, nivel II.

Edgar Javier Méndez Rosales, UANL

Licenciado en Turismo y maestro en Ciencias en Administración de Recursos Humanos por la UANL. Doctorante en Turismo Sostenible y Ecoturismo en la Unicepes. Profesor de tiempo completo en la Unidad Académica de Turismo y Gastronomía-UAN. Coordina la Academia de Comunicación en los Procesos Organizacionales. Forma parte de las academias de Tecnología de la Comunicación y Gestión del Turismo. Miembro de la Asociación Mexicana de Investigación Turística.

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Published

2026-07-01

How to Cite

Rivera Rivera, D. M., Rodríguez Delgado, M. M., & Méndez Rosales, E. J. (2026). Plásticos invisibles, riesgos reales: una amenaza para la salud humana: Invisible plastics, real risks: a threat to human health. Revista CienciaUANL, 29(138), 8–17. https://doi.org/10.29105/cienciauanl29.138-1

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Section

Artículos de Divulgación