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Research papers on Microplastics and human health

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  1. Environmental exposure to microplastics: An overview on possible human health effects.

    J. C. Prata, J. D. da Costa, I. Lopes, et al. · 2019 · The Science of the total environment · 2,105 citations

    Microplastics are ubiquitous environmental contaminants leading to inevitable human exposure. Even so, little is known about the effects of microplastics in human health. Thus, in this work we review the evidence for potential negative effects of microplastics in the human body, focusing on pathways of exposure and toxicity. Exposure may occur by ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact due to the presence of microplastics in products, foodstuff and air. In all biological systems, microplastic exposure may cause particle toxicity, with oxidative stress, inflammatory lesions and increased uptake or translocation. The inability of the immune system to remove synthetic particles may lead to chr

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  2. Microplastics in wild fish from North East Atlantic Ocean and its potential for causing neurotoxic effects, lipid oxidative damage, and human health risks associated with ingestion exposure.

    L. G. Barboza, Clara Lopes, Patrícia Oliveira, et al. · 2019 · The Science of the total environment · 787 citations

    Microplastics (MP) pollution has received increased attention over the last few years. However, while the number of studies documentating the ingestion of microplastics by fish has increased, fewer studies have addressed the toxicological effects derived from the ingestion of these small items in wild conditions. Here, MP contamination and effect biomarkers were investigated in three commercially important fish species from the North East Atlantic Ocean. From the 150 analysed fish (50 per species), 49 % had MP. In fish from the 3 species, MP in the gastrointestinal tract, gills and dorsal muscle were found. Fish with MP had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher lipid peroxidation levels in the bra

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  3. Potential Health Impact of Microplastics: A Review of Environmental Distribution, Human Exposure, and Toxic Effects

    Yue Li, Le Tao, Qiong-Yu Wang, et al. · 2023 · Environment & Health · 622 citations

    Microplastics are ubiquitous in the global environment. As a typical emerging pollutant, its potential health hazards have been widely concerning. In this brief paper, we introduce the source, identification, toxicity, and health hazard of microplastics in the human. The literature review shows that microplastics are frequently detected in environmental and human samples. Humans are potentially exposed to microplastics through oral intake, inhalation, and skin contact. We summarize the toxic effects of microplastics in experimental models like cells, organoids, and animals. These effects consist of oxidative stress, DNA damage, organ dysfunction, metabolic disorder, immune response, neurotox

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  4. A Review of Human Exposure to Microplastics and Insights Into Microplastics as Obesogens

    Kurunthachalam Kannan, Krishnamoorthi Vimalkumar · 2021 · Frontiers in Endocrinology · 549 citations

    The ubiquitous exposure of humans to microplastics (MPs) through inhalation of particles in air and ingestion in dust, water, and diet is well established. Humans are estimated to ingest tens of thousands to millions of MP particles annually, or on the order of several milligrams daily. Available information suggests that inhalation of indoor air and ingestion of drinking water bottled in plastic are the major sources of MP exposure. Little is known on the occurrence of MPs in human diet. Evidence is accumulating that feeding bottles and medical devices can contribute to MP exposure in newborns and infants. Biomonitoring studies of human stool, fetus, and placenta provide direct evidence of

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  5. A review on microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment: Their occurrence, exposure routes, toxic studies, and potential effects on human health.

    Sarawut Sangkham, Orasai Faikhaw, N. Munkong, et al. · 2022 · Marine pollution bulletin · 372 citations

    Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging environmental pollutants, having a major ecotoxicological concern to humans and many other biotas, especially aquatic animals. The physical and chemical compositions of MPs majorly determine their ecotoxicological risks. However, comprehensive knowledge about the exposure routes and toxic effects of MPs/NPs on animals and human health is not fully known. Here this review focuses on the potential exposure routes, human health impacts, and toxicity response of MPs/NPs on human health, through reviewing the literature on studies conducted in different in vitro and in vivo experiments on organisms, human cells, and the human experimental ex

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  7. Microplastics as an emerging threat to human health: An overview of potential health impacts.

    Qing-Xin Luo, Haowen Tan, Mao Ye, et al. · 2025 · Journal of environmental management · 63 citations

    Microplastics have emerged as a pervasive environmental pollutant and can infiltrate the human body through ingestion via the digestive tract, inhalation via the respiratory system, and dermal contact, thereby posing significant implications for human health. Recent studies have confirmed the presence of microplastics in human tissues, including the placenta, blood, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and reproductive organs, raising serious concerns about their potential toxicological effects. Due to the diverse sizes, types, shapes, and surface characteristics of microplastics, the pathways through which they reach various organs and their toxic effects on these organs can vary significantly. D

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  8. Microplastics and environmental effects: investigating the effects of microplastics on aquatic habitats and their impact on human health

    Aref Yarahmadi, SeyedeMozhgan Heidari, Parisa Sepahvand, et al. · 2024 · Frontiers in Public Health · 61 citations

    Microplastics (MPs) are particles with a diameter of <5 mm. The disposal of plastic waste into the environment poses a significant and pressing issue concern globally. Growing worry has been expressed in recent years over the impact of MPs on both human health and the entire natural ecosystem. MPs impact the feeding and digestive capabilities of marine organisms, as well as hinder the development of plant roots and leaves. Numerous studies have shown that the majority of individuals consume substantial quantities of MPs either through their dietary intake or by inhaling them. MPs have been identified in various human biological samples, such as lungs, stool, placenta, sputum, breast m

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  9. Microplastics and human health: unraveling the toxicological pathways and implications for public health

    Xu Zhang, Chun-yan Yu, Peng Wang, et al. · 2025 · Frontiers in Public Health · 46 citations

    The increasing prevalence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment has raised urgent concerns regarding their implications for human health. This comprehensive review integrates recent findings on the sources, classification, and pathways of MPs into the human body, highlighting their potential cellular toxicity and systemic health risks. We discuss the mechanisms by which MPs may induce inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and cellular damage, thereby contributing to various diseases. Notably, we examine the synergistic effects of MPs in conjunction with other environmental pollutants, which may amplify their adverse health outcomes. This synthesis of current research underscores the

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  10. Mechanistic insight into potential toxic effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on human health

    Charu Thapliyal, S. Negi, Sakshi Nagarkoti, et al. · 2025 · Discover Applied Sciences · 38 citations

    Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) have gained attention as pervasive environmental pollutants that pose a risk to human health. This review provides comprehensive and updated scientific information on how MNPs enter the human body through multiple routes such as inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact, and circulate through the bloodstream to get deposited in various organs. Its focus revolves around the toxicological effects caused by MNPs on human health, specifically on vital organ systems such as the respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, nervous, immune, reproductive, endocrine, and urinary systems. Important findings indicate that MNP exposure may result in oxidative stre

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  11. The current status of studies of human exposure assessment of microplastics and their health effects: a rapid systematic review

    Yong Min Cho, Kyung-Hwa Choi · 2021 · Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology · 37 citations

    This rapid systematic review aims to summarize studies of human exposure to microplastics (MPs) and their health effects. For the systematic literature review, we separately searched for review articles and original articles published from 2000 to 2019 in the PubMed, NDSL, KMBASE, and Cochrane databases. A total of 276 review articles and 475 original articles were independently evaluated and eligibility of each article was assessed by two researchers. Finally, 8 review articles and 13 original articles were selected for analysis. There was no standardized methodology for determining human exposure to MPs. Therefore, the size, shape, color, and chemical composition of MPs were considered as

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  12. Impact of micro- and nanoplastics exposure on human health: focus on neurological effects from ingestion

    Sudeepa Bhattacharyya, Melody L. Greer, Maryam Salehi · 2025 · Frontiers in Public Health · 29 citations

    Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have become pervasive contaminants in food, water, and air, leading to widespread human exposure, primarily through ingestion. Although MPs are increasingly detected in human tissues, including the placenta, blood, and brain, their long-term health implications are poorly understood. This review compiles emerging evidence on the systemic distribution and biological effects of ingested MPs, particularly on neurological risks. MPs can disrupt gut microbiota, breach intestinal and blood–brain barriers, and accumulate in neural tissues. Mechanistic studies reveal that MPs induce oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, protein aggregation, and neurotransmit

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  13. Microplastics in human body: a narrative on routes of exposure to contamination and potential health effects

    Monireh Nouri, T. Massahi, H. Hossini · 2025 · Environmental Pollutants and Bioavailability · 26 citations

    ABSTRACT Microplastics (MPs) pollution has emerged as a significant global environmental concern, with these particles being detected across diverse ecosystems and infiltrating the food chain, raising concerns about their potential impact on human health. In recent years, studies have increasingly focused on understanding the possible harmful effects of MPs exposure on the human body. This review seeks to offer a detailed examination of the main pathways through which humans are exposed to MPs pollution. MPs, upon entering the human body, have been shown to move through various tissues and organs. Studies show that they can reach the liver, heart, lungs, and some other organs. Researchers ha

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  14. Regional and population-scale trends in human inhalation exposure to airborne microplastics: implications for health risk assessment.

    Chi-Yun Chen, Si-Yu Chen, Chung-Min Liao · 2025 · Environmental pollution · 25 citations

    Growing evidence shows that breathing microplastics (MPs)-polluted air increases the risk of pulmonary health effects. However, a complete understanding of how inhaled MPs distribute within the human respiratory tract (HRT) remains insufficient. This study developed a physiologically-based kinetic HRT model to evaluate the deposition and clearance of MPs over time and at varying concentrations based on their aerodynamic diameter (AD). We quantified the contributions of AD-specific MPs to inhalation exposure trends using literature-based atmospheric MP pollution data from 2015 to 2022. Exposure assessments were conducted in data-rich settings, including megacities, urban-rural, and age-specif

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  15. Impact of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Human Health: Mechanistic Insights and Exposure Pathways.

    Mohd Fazal Ur Rehman, Mohammad Muaz Khan, M. M. Khan · 2025 · Toxicology letters · 24 citations

    Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have emerged as critical environmental contaminants with potential adverse effects on human health. This review examines the various ways MPs and NPs can be spread in the environment and their potential impact on humans. They can be introduced into the environment through multiple sources, like synthetic textiles, cosmetics, packaging, and industrial processes. These particles enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, and they deposit in various tissues, including the lungs, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, they can cross embryonic layers and reach the placenta. They can cause inflammation, oxidative str

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  16. The effects of exposure to microplastics on female reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

    Mohammad Ali-Hassanzadeh, N. Arefinia, Zohreh-Al-Sadat Ghoreshi, et al. · 2025 · Reproductive toxicology · 20 citations

    Microplastic pollution is one of the most important challenges to public health. The current study aimed to assess the impact of microplastic accumulation on female reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes. A comprehensive search was conducted in databases, including ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, to evaluate the effects of microplastic contamination on reproductive health and fetal outcomes. Thirteen studies met our criteria. Microplastic pollution was found in samples of placenta, meconium, amniotic fluid, and feces. In total, 10 polymers were identified, among which polystyrene, polyurethane, and polyamide polymers were the most abundant. The average size of the

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  17. Microplastics and Human Health: A Comprehensive Review on Exposure Pathways, Toxicity, and Emerging Risks

    Nayak Snehamayee, Sephalika Somya, Sahoo Chinmaya Kumar, et al. · 2026 · Microplastics · 19 citations

    Microplastics (MPs) are considered to be dominant agents responsible for serious contamination in environmental and biological systems. Despite a huge increase in research on these contaminants, there are still considerable uncertainties and progress to be made on the exposure pathways of biological systems, modes of detection, and toxicity assessments. Therefore, developing a critical review of MPs is crucial due to growing evidence of their harmful effects on human health. In the current review, we aim to emphasize the potential toxic effects of MPs on different biological systems in humans, the mechanisms of their toxic effects, and gaps in our knowledge on risk assessment. Importantly, w

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  18. Sorption of PAHs onto microplastics in Romanian surface waters and sediments: Environmental toxicity and human health risk with emphasis on pediatric exposure.

    Florinela Pirvu, L. Pascu, Iuliana Paun, et al. · 2025 · Water research · 18 citations

    Microplastics (MPs) are emerging vectors for hydrophobic organic pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), in aquatic environments. Due to their high surface area and sorption potential, MPs can enhance the environmental persistence and bioavailability of toxic compounds, posing potential risks to both aquatic organisms and human health. This study investigates the distribution, sorption behavior, and effects on pollutant transport, distribution, and exposure pathways of PAHs-contaminated microplastics in two major Romanian rivers: the Prahova and Ialomita. PAHs concentrations were quantified in surface water, sediments, and microplastic particles collected from both riv

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  19. Exposure routes of microplastics (MPs) to humans and possible risks of MPs to human health from food and the environment: a short review

    Golam Kibria · 2024 · Journal of Food Safety and Hygiene · 15 citations

    This review aims to document the exposure routes of microplastics (MPs) to humans from food and the environment and assess the possible effects of MPs and associated chemical pollutants on human health. MPs are small plastic particles that are less than five millimeters (<5 mm) in size. Humans can be exposed to MPs by ingesting contaminated water and food or inhaling contaminated air. MPs have been detected in human lungs, blood, placenta, and faeces. MPs may cause various effects on human health, including DNA damage, cellular damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, cancer, fetal growth, and inflammatory bowel disease. Both plastic additive chemicals and pollutants adsorbed onto MPs are har

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  20. Exploring the impact of polystyrene microplastics on human health: unravelling the health implications of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs): a comprehensive study on cytotoxicity, reproductive health, human exposure, and exposure assessment

    Bhandare Saurabh Dilip · 2024 · Toxicology Research · 11 citations

    Abstract This investigation explores the various impacts that polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) have on human health. As most of the plastic materials affect human health when they release leachable toxic substances that affect human health, this causes a negative effect that determines poor health conditions and leads to health hazards associated with plastic toxins routed in the human body, such as: Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Polybrominated Biphenyls etc. The study includes micro-plastic exposure assessment on testicular structure analysis, and cytotoxicity evaluations of different human cell types. The findings clarified the possible dangers of PS-MPs exposure from food, m

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  21. Systematic Review on Indoor Microplastics: Unveiling Sources, Exposure Pathways, and Human Health Implications

    Huiyi Tan, Yee-Kek Hong, Yee Van Fan, et al. · 2024 · Journal of Advanced Research in Micro and Nano Engieering · 9 citations

    Indoor microplastics present a noteworthy and all-encompassing environmental issue that requires careful attention and contemplation. This comprehensive review navigates the intricate landscape of indoor microplastics, investigating their potential sources, pathways of exposure, and implications for human health. Commencing with an exploration of the origins and varieties of polymers within indoor environments, the review dissects commonplace products and manufacturing processes, identifying them as substantial contributors. Subsequent sections elucidate the diverse ways individuals encounter indoor microplastics, encompassing airborne dissemination, ingestion via dust and food, and skin con

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  22. Unseen Hazards—Toxicological Effects and Human Health Impacts of Nanoplastics and Microplastics

    Kornelia Kadac-Czapska, Justyna Ośko, Natalia Nowak, et al. · 2025 · Applied Sciences · 8 citations

    Environmental pollution with microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) continues to increase. These pollutants have been found in the environment (water, soil, and air) as well as in human tissues and biological fluids. Oral, inhalation, and dermal pathways play key roles in human exposure to plastic particles. The primary sources of exposure are foods, beverages, air, and dust. Polymers can penetrate the skin primarily via endocytosis, exocytosis, passages through cell-to-cell junctions, and interaction with the extracellular matrix. However, the health effects of dermal exposure remain poorly understood. Microplastics and NPs have been detected in the gastrointestinal, respiratory, circul

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  24. Risk-based integrated framework for evaluating effects of microplastics to aquatic ecosystems and human health.

    R. Shiu, Tzu-Jung Chen, Fan-Hua Nan, et al. · 2025 · Environmental research · 3 citations

    The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in environments and the food web is a serious concern for both aquatic ecosystems and human health. Most studies have used single tool to assess risks primarily to organisms and humans, leaving gaps in comprehensive risk assessments. This study conducted an investigation of MP abundances in surface water and wild oysters from natural estuaries of major rivers in Taiwan. Additionally, the data also used to develop an integrated risk-based framework for evaluating potential risks from organisms to human MP exposure to seafood consumption. We assessed aquatic ecological risk quotients (RQ), oyster mortality exceedance risk (ER), human MP intake exp

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