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Unraveling the micro- and nanoplastic predicament: A human-centric insight
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This review summarizes what is currently known about micro- and nanoplastic exposure in humans, covering how particles circulate in the environment and accumulate in over 15 different human organs and tissues. The authors analyzed data from 91 toxicity studies and evaluated whether the plastic types and sizes used in experiments reflect real-world human exposure. The review highlights that while evidence of human plastic accumulation is growing, more research with environmentally realistic conditions is needed to truly understand health risks.
Micro- and nanoplastics are vast anthropogenic pollutants in our direct surroundings with a robust environmental stability and a potential for a long-lasting and increasing global circulation. This has raised concerns among the public and policy makers for human health upon exposure to these particles. The micro- and nanoplastic burden on humans is currently under debate, along with criticism on the experimental approaches used in hazard assessment. The present review presents an overview of the human-relevant aspects associated with the current micro-and nanoplastic burden. We focus on environmental circulation and the estimation of exposure quantities to humans, along with a state-of-the-art overview of particle accumulation in over 15 human organs and other specimen. Additionally, data regarding particle characteristics used in toxicity testing was extracted from 91 studies and discussed considering their environmental and human relevance.
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"Micro and Nano Plastic as an Emerging Threat on Human Health"
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This critical review examines how micro- and nanoplastics enter and move through the human body after exposure through food, beverages, and air. Researchers synthesized evidence showing these particles have been detected in multiple human tissues and organs, raising concerns about their potential long-term health effects from chronic environmental exposure.
Unveiling the presence of micro and nanoplastics in human biological matrices: A systematic review covering the latest five years from 2020 to 2025
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This systematic review covering 2020-2025 confirmed the presence of micro- and nanoplastics in human blood, placenta, lungs, liver, kidneys, and other biological matrices. The findings demonstrate that plastic particles are accumulating in human tissues through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact, raising urgent questions about long-term health consequences.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.