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Polyurethane-Derived Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Sources, Human Exposure, and Toxicological and Health Effects
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This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles from polyurethane, a common plastic found in foam, textiles, and medical products. Studies found these particles in human blood, placenta, urine, and other tissues, and lab experiments showed they may cause cell damage and inflammation, though links to human disease remain unproven.
Polyurethane (PU) is one of the most widely used synthetic polymers, yet polyurethane-derived microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) have received less attention than particles derived from polyethylene, polypropylene, or polystyrene. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the sources, environmental release, aging, human exposure pathways, biomonitoring findings, biological effects, and research gaps associated with PU-derived MNPs. The review synthesized 200 sources from database searches without publication-date restrictions and supplementary contextual literature, integrating environmental, experimental, biomonitoring, and clinical evidence, considering methodological limitations and publication status. PU-derived MNPs originate from diverse consumer, industrial, textile, medical, and agricultural products and undergo physicochemical transformations during environmental aging that may alter particle behavior and chemical release. Human exposure may occur through inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact, and medical procedures, while PU-containing particles have been detected in biological matrices, including respiratory samples, placenta, blood, reproductive tissues, and urine. Experimental evidence suggests that PU-derived particles and their associated leachates may induce oxidative stress, inflammation, barrier dysfunction, cytotoxicity, and immune responses, although direct evidence linking PU exposure to human disease remains limited. Integrating environmental monitoring, human biomonitoring, toxicology, and One Health approaches can improve exposure assessment, harmonize analytical methods, and clarify the ecological and clinical relevance of PU-derived MNPs.
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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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This review summarizes what is currently known about how microplastics might affect human health, noting that while contamination is widespread in food, water, and air, direct evidence of harm in humans is still limited. Studies in animals and cell cultures suggest microplastics could trigger immune responses, cause inflammation, and affect reproduction and development. The authors call for more rigorous clinical studies to determine whether the levels of microplastics that people actually encounter pose real health risks.
From environment to body: sources and health consequences of microplastics and nanoplastics in humans
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This review summarizes existing research on how tiny plastic particles called microplastics and nanoplastics enter the human body through food, water, air, and skin contact. Studies cited suggest these particles may build up in tissues and are linked to inflammation, immune problems, and other health issues, though long-term human health risks remain unclear.
Micro- and nanoplastic exposure and human health
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This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles called microplastics and nanoplastics, which have been found in human tissues and fluids. Lab and animal studies link exposure to cell stress and inflammation, but human studies remain limited, so the review states that a causal link to disease has not been established.
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