Environmental Science · Literature

Research papers on Microplastics and human health

Recent and highly-cited academic work on microplastics and human health, gathered from Semantic Scholar, CrossRef and OpenAlex.

1. Plastic and Human Health: A Micro Issue?

   Stephanie Wright, Frank J. Kelly · 2017 · Environmental Science & Technology · 3,280 citations

   Microplastics are a pollutant of environmental concern. Their presence in food destined for human consumption and in air samples has been reported. Thus, microplastic exposure via diet or inhalation could occur, the human health effects of which are unknown. The current review article draws upon cross-disciplinary scientific literature to discuss and evaluate the potential human health impacts of microplastics and outlines urgent areas for future research. Key literature up to September 2016 relating to accumulation, particle toxicity, and chemical and microbial contaminants was critically examined. Although microplastics and human health is an emerging field, complementary existing fields i

2. Plasticenta: First evidence of microplastics in human placenta

   Antonio Ragusa, Alessandro Svelato, Criselda Santacroce, et al. · 2020 · Environment International · 3,259 citations

   Microplastics are particles smaller than five millimeters deriving from the degradation of plastic objects present in the environment. Microplastics can move from the environment to living organisms, including mammals. In this study, six human placentas, collected from consenting women with physiological pregnancies, were analyzed by Raman Microspectroscopy to evaluate the presence of microplastics. In total, 12 microplastic fragments (ranging from 5 to 10 μm in size), with spheric or irregular shape were found in 4 placentas (5 in the fetal side, 4 in the maternal side and 3 in the chorioamniotic membranes); all microplastics particles were characterized in terms of morphology and chemical

3. 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 · 2,548 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

4. A Detailed Review Study on Potential Effects of Microplastics and Additives of Concern on Human Health

   Claudia Campanale, Carmine Massarelli, Ilaria Savino, et al. · 2020 · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 1,890 citations

   The distribution and abundance of microplastics into the world are so extensive that many scientists use them as key indicators of the recent and contemporary period defining a new historical epoch: The Plasticene. However, the implications of microplastics are not yet thoroughly understood. There is considerable complexity involved to understand their impact due to different physical-chemical properties that make microplastics multifaceted stressors. If, on the one hand, microplastics carry toxic chemicals in the ecosystems, thus serving as vectors of transport, they are themselves, on the other hand, a cocktail of hazardous chemicals that are added voluntarily during their production as ad

5. Microplastics in Seafood and the Implications for Human Health

   Madeleine Smith, David C. Love, Chelsea M. Rochman, et al. · 2018 · Current Environmental Health Reports · 1,827 citations

   PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We describe evidence regarding human exposure to microplastics via seafood and discuss potential health effects. RECENT FINDINGS: Shellfish and other animals consumed whole pose particular concern for human exposure. If there is toxicity, it is likely dependent on dose, polymer type, size, surface chemistry, and hydrophobicity. Human activity has led to microplastic contamination throughout the marine environment. As a result of widespread contamination, microplastics are ingested by many species of wildlife including fish and shellfish. Because microplastics are associated with chemicals from manufacturing and that sorb from the surrounding environment, there is concern r

6. Oyster reproduction is affected by exposure to polystyrene microplastics

   Rossana Sussarellu, Marc Suquet, Yoann Thomas, et al. · 2016 · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · 1,799 citations

   Plastics are persistent synthetic polymers that accumulate as waste in the marine environment. Microplastic (MP) particles are derived from the breakdown of larger debris or can enter the environment as microscopic fragments. Because filter-feeder organisms ingest MP while feeding, they are likely to be impacted by MP pollution. To assess the impact of polystyrene microspheres (micro-PS) on the physiology of the Pacific oyster, adult oysters were experimentally exposed to virgin micro-PS (2 and 6 µm in diameter; 0.023 mg·L(-1)) for 2 mo during a reproductive cycle. Effects were investigated on ecophysiological parameters; cellular, transcriptomic, and proteomic responses; fecundity; and offs

7. Marine microplastic debris: An emerging issue for food security, food safety and human health

   Luís Gabriel A. Barboza, A. Dick Vethaak, Beatriz R.B.O. Lavorante, et al. · 2018 · Marine Pollution Bulletin · 1,571 citations

   Recent studies have demonstrated the negative impacts of microplastics on wildlife. Therefore, the presence of microplastics in marine species for human consumption and the high intake of seafood (fish and shellfish) in some countries cause concern about the potential effects of microplastics on human health. In this brief review, the evidence of seafood contamination by microplastics is reviewed, and the potential consequences of the presence of microplastics in the marine environment for human food security, food safety and health are discussed. Furthermore, challenges and gaps in knowledge are identified. The knowledge on the adverse effects on human health due to the consumption of marin

8. A Review of Microplastics in Table Salt, Drinking Water, and Air: Direct Human Exposure

   Qun Zhang, Elvis Genbo Xu, Jiana Li, et al. · 2020 · Environmental Science & Technology · 1,025 citations

   The ubiquity of microplastics in aquatic and terrestrial environments and related ecological impacts have gained global attention. Microplastics have been detected in table salt, drinking water, and air, posing inevitable human exposure risk. However, rigorous analytical methods for detection and characterization of microplastics remain scarce. Knowledge about the potential adverse effects on human health via dietary and respiratory exposures is also limited. To address these issues, we reviewed 46 publications concerning abundances, potential sources, and analytical methods of microplastics in table salt, drinking water, and air. We also summarized probable translocation and accumulation pa

9. 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 · 911 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

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

    Yue Li, Le Tao, Qiong Wang, et al. · 2023 · Environment & Health · 667 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

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

    Kurunthachalam Kannan, Krishnamoorthi Vimalkumar · 2021 · Frontiers in Endocrinology · 514 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

12. 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 · 432 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

13. A review of human and animals exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Health risk and adverse effects, photo-induced toxicity and regulating effect of microplastics

    Kailun Sun, Yan Song, Falin He, et al. · 2021 · The Science of The Total Environment · 426 citations

14. Health risk of human exposure to microplastics: a review

    K. Tang, Ronghua Li, Zhi Li, et al. · 2024 · Environmental Chemistry Letters · 148 citations

15. 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 · 51 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

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

    Qingxin Luo, Haowen Tan, Mao Ye, et al. · 2025 · Journal of environmental management · 49 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

17. 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 · 36 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

18. 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 · 31 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

19. 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 · 29 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

20. 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 · 20 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

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

    S. Bhattacharyya, M. Greer, Maryam Salehi · 2025 · Frontiers in Public Health · 20 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

22. 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 · 18 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

23. Indoor Airborne Microplastics: Human Health Importance and Effects of Air Filtration and Turbulence

    Christine C. Gaylarde, José Antonio Baptista Neto, Estefan M. da Fonseca · 2024 · Microplastics · 18 citations

    Microplastics (MPs) are omnipresent particles that receive special attention because of their persistent nature and their potential impact on human disease and on the environment. Most MPs are generated by the degradation of larger plastic items such as clothing, car tires, and discarded plastic materials. In indoor environments, where human beings spend most of their time, aerial MP levels are higher, and the majority are fibers produced from textiles. Airborne MPs indoors are a greater potential danger to humans than MPs ingested in food and drink. Fragments small enough to remain substantially suspended in the air column, the small airborne microparticles that are measured as PM10 and PM2

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

    Mohd Fazal Ur Rehman, M. M. Khan, M. Khan · 2025 · Toxicology letters · 17 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