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A review of data for quantifying human exposures to micro and nanoplastics and potential health risks
Summary
This review synthesizes data on human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics through air, water, and food, and examines the potential health effects. Researchers found evidence of respiratory, liver, immune, and gastrointestinal impacts in humans and mammals exposed to elevated plastic particle levels, with toxicity varying by plastic type and size. The study highlights that while growing evidence links plastic particle exposure to health concerns, significant data gaps remain in quantifying actual human intake and long-term risks.
Plastic debris have been shown to degenerate to particle sizes that can be transported in air, water, and food. Small particles are documented to enter and exit our bodies and translocate to and from some internal organs. Health effects on respiratory, hepatic, immune, and gastrointestinal systems have been reported in humans and other mammals in response to elevated particle or fiber exposures. These health effects differed by plastic type and size, and there was evidence of dose response for a few health endpoints. We conducted a systematic word search and reviewed published literature to identify microplastic and nanoplastic studies that quantified exposure via the ingestion, inhalation, and subcutaneous absorption (not dermal) exposure pathways; identified translocation, internal dose, and associations with health effects and markers related to exposures to specific sizes and types of plastics. We identified the data gaps in relating exposure data to health effects and biomarkers, most notably the lack of characterization of plastic particles and fibers smaller than 10 μm in most media.