Impacts of microplastics on human health

This thesis examines the issue of pollution from microplastics and nanoplastics, as well as their potential impact on human health. The aim of this study is to investigate the sources and dispersion of microplastics in the environment, the primary routes of human exposure, the physical and chemical mechanisms of toxicity, as well as their potential effects on various systems of the human body. At the same time, the study explores the public’s knowledge, perceptions, level of concern, and everyday behaviors regarding the presence of and exposure to microplastics. The literature review highlights that the continuous production and inadequate management of plastic waste contribute to the creation and widespread dispersion of microplastics in water, soil, the atmosphere, and the food chain. Human exposure occurs primarily through ingestion and inhalation, while skin contact is considered less significant. At the same time, available scientific data indicate that microplastics can cause mechanical and chemical effects, oxidative stress, and inflammatory reactions, and potential effects on the gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, immune, reproductive, and nervous systems have been investigated. To assess public perceptions, a primary research was conducted through a questionnaire using Google Forms during May–June 2026, with 126 participants. The analysis was initially performed using descriptive statistics and subsequently using chi-square (χ²) tests of independence. The results showed that 86.5% of participants were familiar with the term “microplastics.” The presence of microplastics is most commonly recognized in food, water, and seafood, while exposure through the atmosphere appears to be less widely recognized. At the same time, a moderate level of concern about health effects was recorded, along with a significant willingness to change daily habits after receiving more comprehensive information. Chi-square tests revealed a statistically significant association only between age and the level of concern regarding the effects on human health, while the remaining relationships examined were not statistically significant. Overall, addressing this problem requires a combination of institutional measures, prevention at the source, more effective waste and wastewater management, as well as better public information and environmental education.