Particulate Matters, Microplastics, and Mitochondrial Health

Environmental pollutants affecting human health have been a grave concern. Particulate matter is a most ubiquitous air pollutant with serious consequences to health. With their diversity in chemical composition, these minute pollutants are difficult to track and minimize. Microplastics are an emerging group of pollutants to be intensively studied owing to their small size and widespread use of non-biodegradable plastics. Both particulate matters and microplastics are implicated in various disease conditions. Not surprisingly, both these pollutants are able to positively affect the hallmarks of cancer and aid in cancer progression. Mitochondria are crucial to cells’ energy metabolism and normal homeostasis. Particulate matter and microplastics have an impact on mitochondrial health. This chapter aims to understand the nature of particulate pollutants and microplastics, their toxicity and their effects on various pathological conditions, and the impact of these potent pollutants on mitochondrial health.