Effects of Microplastic Exposure on Human Digestive, Reproductive, and Respiratory Health: A Rapid Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Systematic Review

Background:

• Microplastics are widespread environmental pollutants with documented human exposure.
• Research on the health impacts of microplastics remains limited.
• Understanding microplastic health effects is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing literature on the association between microplastic exposure and human health outcomes.
• To evaluate the quality of evidence for microplastic-associated health effects.
• To identify health outcomes potentially impacted by microplastic exposure.

Main Methods:

• A rapid systematic review was conducted using the
• Navigation Guide
• method.
• Searched four databases (July 2022, April 2024) with no date restrictions.
• Included human observational and animal studies quantitatively examining microplastic exposure and health outcomes, prioritizing digestive, reproductive, and respiratory systems.

Main Results:

• High-quality evidence suggests microplastic exposure adversely impacts sperm quality and causes immunosuppression.
• Moderate-quality evidence links microplastic exposure to adverse effects on female reproductive hormones, digestive system integrity, and respiratory function.
• Evidence for impacts on human birth outcomes and gestational age was rated low to very low, deeming them unclassifiable.

Conclusions:

• Microplastic exposure is suspected to adversely affect human reproductive, digestive, and respiratory health.
• A potential link between microplastic exposure and colon and lung cancer is suggested.
• Further research is recommended to explore additional health outcomes and develop exposure reduction strategies.