Microplastics and the Hidden Threat to Human Reproduction - Plastic Peril

Microplastics and the Hidden Threat to Human Reproduction: Plastic Peril explores the intricate relationship between microplastics and reproductive health. It delves into various aspects of this theme, including the sources and distribution of microplastics in the environment, human exposure routes and associated risks, the toxicological effects on reproductive health, potential connections to fertility, endocrine disruption, developmental consequences due to maternal exposure. It includes impacts on both male and female reproductive health, risks during pregnancy, population-level health concerns, strategies for mitigating microplastic exposure, and the policy and regulatory frameworks surrounding this issue. The book also aims to provide insights into the future directions of research and public health initiatives related to microplastics. In essence, it explores how tiny microplastic particles can have significant and far-reaching consequences on human reproductive health, making this a vital and emerging area of concern. This is a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in understanding the various aspects of the microplastics-reproductive health connection and a go-to reference for researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and concerned individuals.

List of contents

1. Introduction to Microplastics: A Growing Concern
2. Microplastics in the Environment: Sources and Distribution
3. Microplastics and Human Exposure: Routes and Risks
4. Microplastics in Human Use Items
5. Toxicological Effects of Microplastics on Reproductive Health
6. Microplastics and Fertility: Unravelling the Connections
7. Endocrine Disruption and Microplastic Exposure
8. Prenatal Exposure and Developmental Consequences
9. The Male Perspective: Sperm Quality and Microplastics
10. Impacts on Female Reproductive Health and Hormonal Balance
11. Beyond the Individual: Microplastics and Population Health
12. Mitigating Microplastic Exposure: Strategies and Solutions
13. Policy and Regulation: Navigating a Plastic-Polluted World
14. Future Directions in Microplastics Research and Public Health

About the author

Dr. Nimra Afzal, an proficient Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Central Punjab holds a Ph.D. in Zoology from the prestigious Institute of Zoology at the University of Punjab, specializing in the field of environmental health.
With a rich academic background, Dr. Nimra has garnered valuable experience from international research laboratories. She has actively engaged in research endeavors at renowned institutions such as the University of Cranfield and the University of Essex in the United Kingdom. Driven by her passion for the environment, she has presented her work on diverse platforms, both nationally and internationally, showcasing her expertise and insights. Dr. Afzal's research interests span a broad spectrum, encompassing the physical and biological characterization of aerosols, their spatio-temporal dynamics in various environments, ecosystem health monitoring, and wildlife studies. Her current focus revolves around several projects dedicated to exploring the abundance and characterization of microplastics across different environmental matrices. Notably, Dr. Nimra Afzal has demonstrated her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge by successfully publishing her research findings in reputable Q1 journals. Her contributions underscore a dedication to unraveling the complexities of environmental health and, in particular, the burgeoning issue of microplastic pollution.
Dr. Muhammad Babar Khawar completed his Ph.D. at the State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell & Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, further solidifying his position in the field of biology and molecular research. His outstanding academic performance and contributions to the scientific community earned him the coveted "Chinese Government Outstanding Scholarship for International Students," a testament to his scholarly achievements as a foreign student in China.
In addition to these accolades, Dr. Khawar received recognition from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences with the "Excellent International Student Award" in 2019 and the "Excellent International Graduate Award" in 2020, highlighting his consistent dedication to excellence in academia. With over 70 publications to his name, boasting an exceptional impact factor of more than 300, and contributing four book chapters to international research books.

Product details

• Assisted by: Nimra Afzal (Editor), Muhammad Babar Khawar (Editor)
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Languages: English
• Release: 01.05.2026
• EAN: 9780443333842
• ISBN: 978-0-443-33384-2
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Medicine > Clinical medicine; METABOLISM, Endocrinology, MEDICAL / Endocrinology & Metabolism