0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Sign in to save

Cellular Impact of Micro(nano)plastics on Human Health: A Review.

Toxics 2025 Score: 48 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Longxiao Liu, Pengcheng Tu, Huixia Niu, Xueqing Li, Xin Gong, Zhijian Chen, Mingluan Xing, Lizhi Wu, Xiaoming Lou

Summary

This review examined how micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) entering the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact affect cells and tissues. It synthesized evidence of oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and endocrine disruption associated with MNP exposure.

Models
Study Type In vitro

Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs), as a globally emerging environmental pollutant, are now ubiquitous in natural environments and can continuously enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. This widespread exposure has raised significant concerns regarding the potential health risks posed by MNPs. Although epidemiological studies are still in the early stages, accumulating in vitro cellular experiments have provided key evidence suggesting that nano- to micro-sized plastic particles can cross physiological barriers in the human body. These particles enter cells via endocytosis or direct penetration through the cell membrane, triggering toxic effects such as oxidative stress, immune responses, mitochondrial dysfunction, and DNA damage, which can potentially lead to cell apoptosis. These findings highlight that the direct interaction between MNPs and human cells could be a core mechanism underlying their potential health hazards. This review systematically summarizes the toxic effects of MNPs exposure on various human cell types, exploring the underlying molecular mechanisms and providing insights for future research into the toxicological impacts of MNPs and their implications for human health risk assessment.

Sign in to start a discussion.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Health Concerning Cellular Toxicity Mechanisms, Exposure Pathways, and Global Mitigation Strategies

This review synthesizes current knowledge on how micro- and nanoplastics cause cellular damage in the human body, covering mechanisms like oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and disruption of cell signaling pathways. Researchers note that exposure occurs through multiple routes including ingestion and inhalation, allowing particles to reach organs throughout the body. The study highlights significant gaps in understanding long-term and low-dose exposure effects that are most relevant to everyday human contact with these particles.

Article Tier 2

The Impact of Microplastic on Human Health

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.

Article Tier 2

Cellular and Systemic Impacts of Microplastics and Nanoplastics

This review synthesized evidence on how micro- and nanoplastics cause cellular and systemic harm through inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endocrine disruption across multiple organ systems. The authors emphasize that exposure is ubiquitous and that health impacts are no longer speculative.

Article Tier 2

Cellular and Systemic Impacts of Microplastics and Nanoplastics

This review systematically examined the cellular and systemic health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics, covering uptake mechanisms, organ distribution, and effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and endocrine function. The authors conclude that MNPs pose credible risks to multiple body systems and call for stronger regulatory action.

Article Tier 2

Impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on human Health: Emerging evidence and future directions

This review summarizes current evidence on how micro- and nanoplastics enter the human body through food, air, and skin contact, and the cellular damage they may cause. While microplastic pollution is a recognized environmental hazard, the authors note that definitive evidence linking plastic particle exposure to specific health outcomes in humans is still limited and more realistic exposure studies are needed.

Share this paper