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Beyond Polymer Identity: Biological and Health Implications of Polyvinyl Chloride Micro- and Nanoplastics
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This review summarizes existing research on tiny PVC plastic particles, which have been found in human blood, placenta and other tissues. Lab studies show these particles can harm cells and cause inflammation, but effects differ widely by particle type and study design, and no link to human disease has been established.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) micro- and nanoplastics (PVC-MNPs) represent heterogeneous exposures shaped by product formulation, ageing, environmental transformation and the release of associated chemicals. This review examines evidence on human exposure, tissue distribution and biological effects of PVC-MNPs, emphasising biological barriers and potential health implications. Exposure may occur through ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact and medical devices, while PVC has been detected in blood, placenta, reproductive and respiratory samples, and other human tissues. Experimental studies indicate that PVC-MNPs can impair epithelial homeostasis and induce oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic alterations. However, these effects vary with particle size, formulation, concentration, ageing, biological conditioning and experimental model. Environmental and biological transformations may modify particle properties, chemical release and microbial interactions, linking environmental contamination with food systems and human exposure within a One Health framework. Interpretation of the available evidence is limited by methodological heterogeneity, contamination risks, uncertain exposure doses, and limited comparability between experimental and clinical studies. Current evidence supports internal exposure and the biological plausibility of cellular and tissue injury but does not establish a causal relationship between PVC-MNP exposure and human disease. Future studies should integrate source-resolved exposure assessment, physiologically relevant models, appropriate leachate controls and standardised analytical methods.
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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.
The Environmental Hazards of Micro- and Nanoplastics
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Researchers reviewed how microplastics — tiny plastic particles found everywhere in the environment — can enter the body, accumulate in tissues, and disrupt the immune, digestive, and nervous systems, with exposure linked to hormonal imbalances, chronic disease, and cancer risk.
Nanoplastics and Cardiovascular Health: A Review of Environmental Exposure, Biological Mechanisms and GeoHealth Implications
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This review paper summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles called nanoplastics and heart health. It reports that studies have found plastic particles in human blood, lungs, placenta, blood vessels, heart tissue and arterial plaque, and lab experiments suggest possible ways these particles could affect cells, though causation has not been established.
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.
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.
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