We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The potential toxicity of microplastics on human health
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes the latest evidence on how microplastics enter the human body and cause toxic effects, with growing concern since the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased exposure through disposable masks. Microplastics have now been detected in human blood, lungs, placenta, and feces, and research suggests they may cause harm through inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of normal cell function.
Microplastics are plastic particles, films, and fibers with a diameter of < 5 mm. Given their long-standing existence in the environment and terrible increase in annual emissions, concerns were raised about the potential health risk of microplastics on human beings. In particular, the increased consumption of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased human contact with microplastics. To date, the emergence of microplastics in the human body, such as feces, blood, placenta, lower airway, and lungs, has been reported. Related toxicological investigations of microplastics were gradually increased. To comprehensively illuminate the interplay of microplastic exposure and human health, we systematically reviewed the updated toxicological data of microplastics and summarized their mode of action, adverse effects, and toxic mechanisms. The emerging critical issues in the current toxicological investigations were proposed and discussed. Our work would facilitate a better understanding of MPs-induced health hazards for toxicological evaluation and provide helpful information for regulatory decisions.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics as an Emerging Human Health Risk: Mechanisms, Exposure, and Clinical Evidence
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the growing body of evidence on how microplastics enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, and have now been detected in blood, lung tissue, placenta, and cardiovascular tissue. Evidence indicates that microplastics may cause harm through oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage, though a direct causal link to specific health conditions has not yet been fully established.
Microplastics as an Emerging Human Health Risk: Mechanisms, Exposure, and Clinical Evidence
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the growing body of evidence on how microplastics enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, and have now been detected in blood, lung tissue, placenta, and cardiovascular tissue. Evidence indicates that microplastics may cause harm through oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage, though a direct causal link to specific health conditions has not yet been fully established.
The Impact of Microplastic on Human Health
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesized evidence on microplastic exposure pathways and health effects in humans, finding that microplastics enter the body via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact and are associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, genotoxicity, and endocrine disruption.
Microplastics in humans: Current evidence of presence and their role in organ toxicity
AI summary Read the abstract
This comprehensive review examined how microplastics enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, dermal absorption, and maternal-fetal transfer, summarizing documented evidence of MP presence and toxic effects across multiple organs.
A review on microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment: Their occurrence, exposure routes, toxic studies, and potential effects on human health
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes what is known about how microplastics and nanoplastics enter the human body through food, air, and skin contact, and what they do once inside. Studies on cells and animals show these tiny particles can cause oxidative stress, DNA damage, inflammation, and harm to the immune, digestive, reproductive, and nervous systems. The research makes clear that microplastics are not just an environmental problem but a direct concern for human health.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.