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Micro- and Nanoplastics in the Human Exposome: Environmental Pathways, Kidney Toxicity, and Implications for Public Health Risk Assessment
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This review pulls together existing research on tiny plastic particles that enter our bodies through food, water, and air, showing they can build up in organs, especially the kidneys, and potentially cause cell damage and inflammation in lab studies. While these particles have been found in human blood, tissue, and urine, scientists still don't know exactly how much risk this poses to human health, so more research is needed before drawing firm conclusions.
Plastic pollution has emerged as a global environmental and public health crisis, with micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) representing a pervasive component of the human exposome. Generated through the continuous fragmentation of larger plastic materials, MNPs exhibit physicochemical properties that influence their environmental fate, biological interactions, and toxic potential. Human exposure occurs primarily through ingestion and inhalation, facilitating particle translocation across biological barriers and systemic distribution. Experimental studies have shown that MNP exposure can disrupt mitochondrial and lysosomal function, induce oxidative stress and DNA damage, and modulate inflammatory, apoptotic, and fibrotic pathways. Although evidence supports their multiorgan toxicity, the kidney has emerged as a critical target organ due to its role in filtration and excretion. Experimental studies, often conducted at concentrations exceeding estimated environmentally relevant exposure levels, have associated renal MNP exposure with oxidative injury, apoptosis, and fibrotic remodeling, while emerging mechanistic findings suggest potential links to pro-oncogenic cellular alterations; however, these effects have not been established in humans, and their clinical relevance remains uncertain. Furthermore, the detection of plastic particles in human blood, tissues, and urine underscores the translational relevance of MNP exposure while highlighting important gaps in exposure assessment, dose–response characterization, and mechanistic understanding. In this narrative review, we integrate current evidence regarding environmental exposure pathways, biodistribution, and molecular mechanisms of MNP-induced toxicity, emphasizing the need for integrated exposome-based approaches, omics technologies, advanced experimental models, and longitudinal studies to improve human health risk assessment and guide regulatory policies.
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Micro- and nanoplastics and the kidney: exposure pathways, toxicokinetics, and pathophysiological insights
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Tiny plastic particles from our air, water, and food—called micro- and nanoplastics—can enter our bodies and travel to the kidneys, where studies show they may cause cell damage, inflammation, and scarring over time. This review pulls together existing research on how these plastics get into our system and harm kidney tissue, suggesting that everyday plastic exposure could be an overlooked risk factor for kidney disease. More research is needed, but this is an early signal that reducing plastic exposure might matter for long-term kidney health.
Micro- and Nanoplastic Pollution and Renal Health: Human Evidence, Mechanisms, and Clinical Implications
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Tiny plastic particles have been found in human blood, urine, and even kidney tissue, and lab studies show they can stress kidney cells and potentially contribute to inflammation and scarring. This review pulls together what scientists currently know, but it's clear we still don't have solid proof that microplastics actually cause kidney disease in people, more research is needed, especially for those already dealing with kidney problems or dialysis, before we can say how worried to be.
Microplastics and Kidneys: An Update on the Evidence for Deposition of Plastic Microparticles in Human Organs, Tissues and Fluids and Renal Toxicity Concern
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This review summarizes the growing evidence that microplastics are found throughout the human body, including in the placenta, lungs, liver, heart, blood, and breast milk. While direct evidence for kidney damage in humans is still lacking, animal studies show that microplastics can cause kidney inflammation, cell death, and oxidative stress. The findings highlight that microplastics are accumulating in virtually every human organ, though the long-term health consequences remain unclear.
Human Exposure to Nanoplastics and Its Toxicological and Environmental Implications
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Tiny plastic particles called nanoplastics are everywhere—in our water, air, and food—and this review pulls together existing research on how they get into our bodies (through eating, breathing, or even skin contact) and spread to different organs. The science suggests these particles may trigger cell damage, inflammation, hormone disruption, and other harmful effects, though researchers note it's still hard to measure exact exposure levels and long-term risks. The takeaway: nanoplastic pollution is a growing health concern worth watching, but scientists still need better tools to figure out exactly how much harm it's causing.
Human Exposure to Microplastics: Toxicological Mechanisms and Potential Health Implications - a Narrative Review
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Tiny plastic particles from our food, water, and air are showing up inside the human body, and lab studies suggest they could trigger cell damage, inflammation, and hormone disruption. This review pulls together existing research to show that while the potential risks are concerning, most evidence so far comes from test tubes and animal studies—so scientists still can't say for certain whether microplastics are directly causing specific diseases in people. More real-world human studies are needed before we know exactly how worried to be.
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