Microplastic exposure and human health: an integrative toxicological perspective

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Human Health

Background:

• Global plastic production and poor waste management lead to widespread microplastic (MP) contamination.
• MPs are ubiquitous in ecosystems and enter the food chain, posing risks to human health.
• MPs originate from primary sources or degradation of larger plastics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the sources, types, and human exposure routes of microplastics.
• To outline the toxicological impacts of microplastics on human health.
• To highlight the need for further research and regulatory action.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of microplastic sources, exposure pathways, and toxicological effects.
• Analysis of studies on MP distribution, bioaccumulation, and mechanisms of toxicity.
• Synthesis of evidence on impacts across multiple organ systems.

Main Results:

• Microplastics enter the body via diet, inhalation, and dermal contact, crossing biological barriers.
• MPs induce oxidative stress, inflammation, immune dysregulation, and gut microbiota disruption.
• Adverse effects include digestive, pulmonary, endocrine, neurological, and carcinogenic impacts.

Conclusions:

• Microplastics are emerging environmental toxins with diverse adverse effects on human health.
• MPs can disrupt physiological processes and contribute to chronic diseases.
• Urgent mechanistic studies and regulatory interventions are needed to mitigate MP exposure and health risks.