We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Health effects of microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This toxicology overview summarizes evidence on the health effects of microplastics in humans and wildlife, covering physical and chemical mechanisms of harm and noting that while animal studies show clear toxic effects, the implications for human health remain uncertain.
Toxicology Microplastics—organic polymer particles smaller than 5 millimeters—have been found throughout the global biosphere. In addition to their effects on wildlife and ecosystems, there is growing concern about whether ingestion of microplastics through drinking water, inhalation, or food can affect human health. In a Perspective, Vethaak and Legler discuss the many unknowns, including exposure levels, whether microplastics can enter cells, and, if they do, what damage might be caused. It is also unclear whether microplastics are contaminated with possible pathogens. Much more research is needed to understand the impact of microplastics on human health. Science , this issue p. [672][1] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.abe5041
More Papers Like This
Toxicity of Microplastics to Aquatic Organisms
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes the toxic effects of microplastics on aquatic organisms at all levels of the food chain, covering both physical and chemical mechanisms of harm. The evidence reviewed supports the conclusion that microplastic exposure poses genuine risks to aquatic ecosystems and the humans who depend on them for food.
Toxicity and mechanism analysis of microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarized experimental evidence on the toxicity and mechanisms of action of microplastics across animal models, covering effects from ingestion including organ damage, oxidative stress, and immune disruption. The synthesis aimed to inform risk assessment for environmental and human health impacts of microplastic exposure.
Animal exposure to microplastics and health effects: A review
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how microplastic exposure affects animals across terrestrial and aquatic environments, finding that species suffer physical harm, chemical contamination from pollutants that stick to plastic surfaces, inflammation, and behavioral changes. Because microplastics accumulate up the food chain, the review warns that animals entering the human food supply may carry these particles into our bodies.
Microplastics: Impacts on the Environment and Human Health
AI summary Read the abstract
This review covers what is currently known about microplastic pollution's effects on both the environment and human health, summarizing evidence from studies on wildlife, ecosystems, and human exposure pathways. The authors note that while concern is growing, definitive conclusions about human health risks remain elusive due to limited clinical research.
Impacts of Microplastic Exposure on Animal Physiology and Health: A Global Perspective
AI summary Read the abstract
This global review synthesized evidence on microplastic health effects across diverse animal species and environments, covering physical damage, inflammatory responses, chemical toxicity, and behavioral changes. The authors emphasized long-term chronic toxicity as a key concern and highlighted microplastics' role as vectors for harmful substances within food chains.
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.