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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

    Joana C. Prata, João Pinto da Costa, Isabel Lopes, et al. · 2019 · The Science of The Total Environment · 2,666 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

    Luís Gabriel A. Barboza, Clara Lopes, Patrícia Oliveira, et al. · 2019 · The Science of The Total Environment · 947 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 Wang, et al. · 2023 · Environment & Health · 745 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 · 569 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 · 460 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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  8. Effects of Microplastic Exposure on Human Digestive, Reproductive, and Respiratory Health: A Rapid Systematic Review

    Nicholas Chartres, Courtney Cooper, Garret D. Bland, et al. · 2024 · Environmental Science & Technology · 166 citations

    High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Microplastics are ubiquitous environmental contaminants for which there are documented human exposures, but there is a paucity of research evaluating their impacts on human health. We conducted a rapid systematic review using the “Navigation Guide” systematic review method. We searched four databases in July 2022 and April 2024 with no restriction on the date. We included studies using predefined eligibility criteria that quantitatively examined the association of microplastic exposure with any health outcomes. We amended the eligibility criteria after screening studies and prioritized digestive, reproductive, and respiratory outcomes for fu

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  9. Microplastics exposure: implications for human fertility, pregnancy and child health

    Rewa E. Zurub, Yusmaris Cariaco, Michael G. Wade, et al. · 2024 · Frontiers in Endocrinology · 150 citations

    Plastics found in our everyday environment are becoming an increasing concern for individual and population-level health, and the extent of exposure and potential toxic effects of these contaminants on numerous human organ systems are becoming clear. Microplastics (MPs), tiny plastic particles, appear to have many of the same biological effects as their plastic precursors and have the compounded effect of potential accumulation in different organs. Recently, microplastic accumulation was observed in the human placenta, raising important questions related to the biological effects of these contaminants on the health of pregnancies and offspring. These concerns are particularly heightened cons

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  10. Microplastics in food: scoping review on health effects, occurrence, and human exposure

    Božidar Udovički, Mirjana Andjelković, Tanja Ćirković Veličković, et al. · 2022 · International Journal of Food Contamination · 117 citations

    Abstract With most of the plastics ever produced now being waste, slowly degrading and fragmenting in the environment, microplastics (MPs) have become an emerging concern regarding their presence in food and influence on human health. While many studies on marine ecotoxicology and the occurrence of MPs in fish and shellfish exist, research on the occurrence of MPs in other foods and their effect on human health is still in early-stage, but the attention is increasing. This review aimed to provide relevant information on the possible health effect of ingested MPs, the occurrence, and levels of MPs contamination in various foods and estimated exposure to MPs through food. Potential toxic conse

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  11. 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 · 73 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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  12. 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 · 65 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 milk,

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  13. 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 · 50 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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  14. 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 · 45 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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  15. 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 · 43 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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  16. 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 · 34 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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  17. Microplastics in human body: a narrative on routes of exposure to contamination and potential health effects

    Monireh Nouri, Tooraj Massahi, Hooshyar Hossini · 2025 · Environmental Pollutants and Bioavailability · 28 citations

    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 have detect

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  18. From food-to-human microplastics and nanoplastics exposure and health effects: A review on food, animal and human monitoring data

    Flavia Ruggieri, Beatrice Battistini, Angela Sorbo, et al. · 2024 · Food and Chemical Toxicology · 28 citations

    This review figures out the overall status on the presence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in food and their bioaccumulation in animal and human tissues, providing critical insights into possible human health impacts. Data are discussed on both in-vivo and ex-vivo animal and human studies, and the role of physicochemical properties in determining the biological fate and toxicological effects of MPs and NPs. Particular attention is given to dietary exposure assessments, specifically evaluating daily intake through the consumption of contaminated food items. The current limitations in the body of knowledge and some considerations for future assessments are also reported. Overall,

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  19. 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 · 27 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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  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 · 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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  21. 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 · 24 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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  22. 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 · 22 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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  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 · 21 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

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  24. 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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