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A systematic review of the presence and potential health impacts of microplastics in the human body
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This review pulled together 25 studies confirming that tiny plastic particles (microplastics and nanoplastics) have been found throughout the human body—in blood, lungs, organs, and even placental tissue—showing these particles can travel and build up inside us. However, researchers still don't fully understand what health effects this buildup causes, largely because studies use inconsistent methods to detect and measure these particles, so more standardized research is urgently needed before we can say exactly how worried we should be.
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have emerged as ubiquitous environmental contaminants, with increasing evidence of human exposure and growing concern regarding their potential health impacts. Recent investigations have documented their presence in multiple human biological matrices. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively synthesize current evidence on the occurrence, physical and chemical characteristics, and biodistribution of MPs and NPs in human tissues and body fluids; critically evaluate the analytical techniques used for their detection; and identify key gaps in existing knowledge. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-P guidelines. Five major scientific databases, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar, were systematically searched for peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2025 that reported direct detection of MPs or NPs in human biological samples. Following rigorous screening and eligibility assessment, 25 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. The reviewed evidence confirmed widespread detection of MPs and NPs across diverse human matrices, including excretory products, respiratory secretions, systemic circulation, vascular tissues, major organs, and placental tissue, underscoring their ability to translocate within the human body. Considerable variability was observed in reported particle size, shape, polymer type, and concentration, largely reflecting methodological heterogeneity and differences in environmental exposure contexts. Overall, this review underscores substantial knowledge gaps regarding human biodistribution patterns, emphasizing the urgent need for standardization.
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Health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics in humans: systematic review of in vivo evidence
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This review of existing research found that tiny plastic particles (called microplastics and nanoplastics) build up in different parts of the human body and may cause inflammation and organ problems. However, the studies had different methods and limitations, so scientists can't yet prove these plastics directly cause health issues. Better long-term studies are needed to understand if microplastics - which come from things like plastic bottles and food packaging - truly harm human health.
Systemic Accumulation and Distribution of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Human Tissues and Their Impact on Health: A Systematic Review
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This systematic review synthesizes human evidence on the presence of micro- and nanoplastics in body tissues and fluids, including blood, lungs, placenta, breast milk, and liver. The research confirms that plastic particles can cross biological barriers and accumulate in multiple organ systems. While the long-term health effects are still being studied, the widespread presence of plastics inside the human body raises significant health concerns.
Literature Review on Microplastics and Human Health
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Tiny plastic particles have been found in human blood, brains, placentas, breast milk, and other organs, according to this review of 16 studies from 2024. These microplastics enter our bodies through drinking water, food, and air, and have been linked to cell damage, hormone disruption, inflammation, and increased risk of heart and brain problems. While researchers are still working out exactly how harmful they are, the widespread presence of microplastics in our bodies is a growing health concern worth paying attention to.
Harmful Effects of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Human Body Systems: A Systematic Review
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A new review of 30 studies found that tiny plastic particles called microplastics are now widespread in human bodies, showing up in blood, lungs, and other organs. Higher levels of these plastic particles were linked to more severe disease in the heart, lungs, digestive system, and reproductive organs. This research suggests that the plastic pollution around us may be harming our health, though more studies are needed to prove these plastics directly cause disease.
Microplastics and Their Human Health Effects - Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews in Research of Microplastics
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This systematic review of systematic reviews provides an overview of what is known about microplastics and human health. The research found that while microplastics are confirmed to be present in the human body, the specific health effects linked to different plastic types remain poorly understood. The study highlights that this field is still young and calls for more research to clarify the true health risks of daily microplastic exposure.
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