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Microplastic-induced carcinogenesis: Molecular mechanisms, cellular interactions, and toxicological implications
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Tiny plastic particles that we breathe, eat, and touch every day are now showing up in our blood, lungs, and other organs, and this review of existing research explains how they might contribute to cancer. Microplastics can trigger cell damage, inflammation, and disrupted signaling in ways linked to tumor growth, and they can also act like tiny rafts that ferry other harmful chemicals and toxins deeper into our bodies. While scientists haven't proven microplastics directly cause cancer in humans yet, the mounting evidence is a strong signal that reducing plastic exposure and pushing for more research should be a public health pri
Microplastics (<5 mm) are widespread environmental contaminants, with increasing human exposure through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. Their presence in terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric systems, along with detection in human tissues such as blood, lungs, placenta, and the gastrointestinal tract, highlights their bioavailability and potential health risks. Owing to their small size, high surface-area-to-volume ratio, and surface reactivity, microplastics can interact with biological molecules and cells, raising concerns about their role in disease development. This review presents a mechanistic perspective on microplastic-induced carcinogenesis. Microplastics can enter the body via multiple routes and disrupt cellular homeostasis by inducing oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and genotoxicity. These effects contribute to genomic instability and dysregulation of key signaling pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt, which are associated with tumor initiation and progression. Additionally, microplastics act as "Trojan horse" carriers, facilitating the transport of co-contaminants such as heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and microbial agents, thereby enhancing their bioavailability and toxicity. The combined effects of microplastics and associated toxicants amplify oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and epigenetic alterations, promoting a pro-tumorigenic environment. Despite growing evidence, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding long-term exposure, the behavior of nanoplastics in biological systems, and their direct link to cancer. This review emphasizes the need for integrated and interdisciplinary research to better understand microplastic-associated carcinogenesis and to support effective risk assessment and regulatory strategies.
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Microplastics as emerging carcinogens: from environmental pollutants to oncogenic drivers
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This review examines growing evidence that microplastics and nanoplastics may play a role in cancer development, with these particles found in human tumor tissues from the lungs, colon, stomach, breast, and other organs. The particles appear to promote cancer through chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and disruption of key cancer-related signaling pathways. While direct proof of causation in humans is still lacking, the accumulating evidence from lab studies, animal experiments, and human tissue analysis suggests microplastics deserve serious attention as potential contributors to cancer risk.
Micro(nano)plastics pollution and human health: How plastics can induce carcinogenesis to humans?
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This review examines how microplastics and nanoplastics enter the human body through food, water, and air, and how they may contribute to cancer development. Common plastic types like polystyrene and PVC, along with toxic chemicals they carry such as PAHs and PCBs, have been linked to DNA damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation, all of which can promote cancer. The paper highlights that while the evidence is growing, more research is needed to understand the full cancer risk from chronic microplastic exposure.
Microplastics and human cancer risk: A comprehensive review of environmental, molecular, and nanotoxicological perspectives
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This review pulls together lab research suggesting tiny plastic particles in our environment could damage cells, cause inflammation, and disrupt processes linked to cancer growth. While these findings raise real concern, scientists still lack direct proof that microplastics cause cancer in humans, so more long-term research is needed before drawing firm conclusions.
From exposure to oncogenesis: a review on the multifaceted roles of microplastics in tumor initiation and progression
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This review examined the evidence linking microplastic exposure to tumor initiation and progression, covering physical, chemical, and inflammatory mechanisms by which MPs may promote oncogenesis. The authors conclude that while current evidence is largely preclinical, accumulating data warrant serious concern about microplastics as environmental carcinogens.
Micro- and nanoplastic exposure and cancer: current evidence, mechanistic pathways, and translational challenges
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This review pulls together existing research on tiny plastic particles (microplastics and nanoplastics) that we're exposed to through water, food, and air, and their possible links to cancer. Scientists have found these particles may cause cell stress, inflammation, and other changes in the body that could help cancer develop or spread—but so far this evidence comes mainly from lab and animal studies, not solid proof in humans. The bottom line: microplastics probably don't cause cancer on their own, but they may make the body's environment more favorable for tumors to grow, which is worth taking seriously even though more research is needed before we can say anything definitive.
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