We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
641 resultsMapping Microplastics in Humans: Analysis of Polymer Types, and Shapes in Food and Drinking Water—A Systematic Review
This systematic review mapped the types and shapes of microplastics found in food, drinking water, and human tissue samples. Polyethylene and polypropylene — common in food packaging — were the most frequently detected plastics, and fiber-shaped particles were especially prevalent in human samples.
Features, Potential Invasion Pathways, and Reproductive Health Risks of Microplastics Detected in Human Uterus
Researchers found microplastics in the uterine lining of 22 women, identifying common plastics like polyamide, polyurethane, and PET in sizes ranging from 2 to 200 micrometers. In mouse experiments, microplastic exposure led to reduced fertility, abnormal offspring sex ratios, and significant uterine inflammation. These findings raise serious concerns about the potential impact of microplastic contamination on female reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes.
Micro- and Nanoplastics in the Environment: Current State of Research, Sources of Origin, Health Risks, and Regulations—A Comprehensive Review
This review summarizes the current state of research on micro- and nanoplastics found in air, water, and soil worldwide. These tiny plastic particles pose significant threats to human health including oxidative stress, inflammation, cellular damage, and possible cancer-causing effects, and the authors call for stronger regulations and more research into how they harm the body.
Microplastics in urine, sputum and lung lavage fluid from patients with respiratory illnesses
Researchers analyzed urine, sputum (mucus from coughing), and lung fluid from 30 patients with respiratory conditions in Iran and found microplastics in all three types of samples. Sputum contained the most particles (358 total), dominated by polyurethane fibers, while urine had the fewest (9 particles). The different types and sizes of plastics found in each fluid suggest the body sorts and distributes inhaled and ingested microplastics through different pathways.
Health risk assessment of microplastics contamination in the daily diet of South Asian countries
This meta-analysis found that South Asians ingest an estimated 508-2,280 microplastic particles per person per day through food, with salt, fish, milk, and drinking water showing hazard scores above global averages. High-risk polymers including PVC, polyurethane, and polyamide were identified, with annual microplastic ingestion rates reaching up to 36.3 grams per person through fish consumption alone.
The effects of exposure to microplastics on female reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
This meta-analysis pools data from multiple studies to assess how microplastic exposure affects female reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes. The findings suggest that microplastic accumulation may be linked to adverse effects on fertility and pregnancy, highlighting an important and underexplored area of concern for women's health.
Impact of microplastic residues from polyurethane films on crop growth: Unraveling insights through transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis
Residual plastic films from coated fertilizers harmed wheat growth by disrupting energy metabolism in roots, with one type reducing plant height by nearly 25%. However, some bio-based polyester films triggered plant defense responses that offset the damage, suggesting that switching to certain biodegradable alternatives could reduce the microplastic-related risks to crop production and food safety.
A meta-analytic review of microplastic pollution in the Indian Ocean: Ecological health and seafood safety risk implications
Microplastic concentrations in the Indian Ocean varied enormously -- up to 372,000 particles/m3 in surface water -- with polyethylene as the dominant polymer and fibers the most prevalent shape. The meta-analysis found that shrimp accumulated significantly more microplastics than fish, but microplastics did not biomagnify along the food chain.
Understanding visible light and microbe-driven degradation mechanisms of polyurethane plastics: Pathways, property changes, and product analysis
Researchers found that polyurethane plastics break down in water through a combination of microbial action and light exposure, producing secondary microplastics as they degrade. This study reveals a previously underappreciated source of microplastic pollution, since polyurethane is widely used in coatings, foams, and other products that often end up in waterways.
Micro(nano)plastics in human urine: A surprising contrast between Chongqing's urban and rural regions
Scientists detected micro- and nanoplastics in human urine samples from both urban and rural areas in China, with city dwellers showing higher levels and more types of plastic particles. The findings suggest that everyday habits like using plastic toys and personal care products contribute to the plastics found inside our bodies, and that people in urban environments face greater exposure.
Ecological risk assessment of microplastics and mesoplastics in six common fishes from the Bay of Bengal Coast
Researchers found microplastics in the digestive tracts and muscle tissue of six commonly eaten fish species from the Bay of Bengal, with fiber-shaped particles making up over 95% of what was found. This contamination in edible fish muscle tissue means that people who eat these species are likely ingesting microplastics directly.
Comprehensive study of the microplastic footprint in the urban pond and river of Eastern India
Scientists measured microplastic contamination in an urban river and pond in Eastern India and found concerning levels of 59-100 particles per liter in water and 167-193 particles per gram in sediment, with risk assessments showing crisis-level pollution. The dominant plastics found -- nylon and polyethylene -- come from everyday products, and the high contamination levels in these freshwater sources pose risks to the communities that depend on them.
Microplastics Increase Soil pH and Decrease Microbial Activities as a Function of Microplastic Shape, Polymer Type, and Exposure Time
Researchers tested twelve different types of microplastics in soil and found that their effects on soil health depended heavily on the shape, plastic type, and how long they were present. Foam and fragment shapes raised soil pH the most, while polyethylene foam increased soil respiration, and several types reduced the activity of important soil enzymes. These findings help explain why microplastic studies often show conflicting results, since the specific characteristics of the plastic matter as much as its presence.
Microplastics, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, and Heavy Metals in Milk: Analyses and Induced Health Risk Assessment
Researchers detected microplastics, cancer-linked PAH chemicals, and heavy metals in multiple brands of commercial and raw milk samples. The microplastics were mostly fibers made of polyamide, polyurethane, and polyester, and children were estimated to consume up to four times more microplastics per unit of body weight than adults through milk consumption, highlighting dairy as an overlooked exposure route.
Natural and engineered enzymes for polyester degradation: a review
This review covers natural and engineered enzymes that can break down common plastics like PET (used in bottles), polyamide, and polyurethane. Scientists have used techniques like directed evolution and machine learning to improve these enzymes so they work faster and at higher temperatures. While not directly about health, this research is important because developing effective plastic-degrading enzymes could help reduce the microplastic and nanoplastic pollution that threatens both ecosystems and human health.
Development of Enzyme-Based Approaches for Recycling PET on an Industrial Scale
This paper reviews the development of enzyme-based methods for breaking down PET plastic (used in bottles and packaging) at an industrial scale. While enzymatic recycling is a promising solution to plastic waste, current methods are still too slow and costly for widespread use. Improving these technologies could help reduce the enormous amount of PET entering the environment and breaking down into microplastics.
Human health concerns regarding microplastics in the aquatic environment - From marine to food systems
This review traces the journey of microplastics from marine environments into the human food supply, examining how they contaminate seafood, drinking water, and the food chain. Particles smaller than 150 micrometers can pass through the intestinal wall and reach other organs, where they may cause chronic toxicity including cardiovascular, liver, and brain damage. The authors emphasize that nanoplastics are especially concerning because their small size allows them to penetrate deeper into the body.
Microplastics in maternal blood, fetal appendages, and umbilical vein blood
Researchers detected 16 different types of microplastics in maternal blood, umbilical cord blood, and fetal tissues (placenta, amniotic fluid, fetal membrane, and umbilical cord) from 12 pregnant women who delivered by cesarean section. The most common plastics found were polyamide and polyurethane, and microplastic levels in amniotic fluid increased with maternal age and pre-pregnancy body weight, confirming that these particles can pass from mother to fetus.
Detection and characterisation of microplastics in tap water from Gauteng, South Africa
Researchers detected microplastics in tap water from three suburbs in South Africa's Gauteng Province, finding concentrations ranging from about 5 to 31 particles per liter. Fibers were the dominant shape (83%), and most particles were smaller than 1 millimeter. Chemical analysis identified common plastics like polyester and polyethylene, highlighting that tap water is a daily source of microplastic exposure for millions of people.
Detection and Analysis of Microplastics in Human Sputum
Researchers analyzed sputum (mucus from the lungs) from 22 patients with respiratory diseases and found microplastics in every single sample, identifying 21 different plastic types. Polyurethane was the most common type detected, and most particles were smaller than 500 micrometers. This study provides direct evidence that humans are inhaling microplastics, with factors like smoking and medical procedures increasing the amount found in the respiratory tract.
Detection of various microplastics in placentas, meconium, infant feces, breastmilk and infant formula: A pilot prospective study
In a pilot study of 18 mother-infant pairs, researchers detected microplastics in placentas, meconium (first stool), infant feces, breast milk, and infant formula. The finding of microplastics in breast milk and formula means that infants are exposed to microplastics from their earliest feedings, both natural and artificial. This study reveals that microplastic exposure begins before birth and continues through infancy, a critical period of development.
Microplastics, as a risk factor in the development of interstitial lung disease- a preliminary study
In the first study to explore a link between microplastics and interstitial lung disease (a group of conditions causing lung scarring), researchers found microplastics in the lung fluid of 55% of suspected patients, with most of those cases involving the fibrotic form of the disease. The most common plastics found were polyamide, polyester, PVC, and polyurethane, suggesting that inhaled microplastics may be a risk factor for serious lung conditions.
Microplastics comparison of indoor and outdoor air and ventilation rate effect in outskirts of the Seoul metropolitan city
Researchers measured airborne microplastics both indoors and outdoors in buildings near Seoul, finding that indoor concentrations were 1.8 times higher than outdoor levels. Polyester fibers from clothing and furnishings were the most common type, and lower ventilation rates led to higher indoor microplastic levels, meaning the air people breathe at home and work may be a significant source of microplastic exposure.
Percutaneous coronary intervention leads to microplastics entering the blood: Interventional devices are a major source
Researchers measured microplastic levels in the blood of 23 patients before and after heart stent procedures (percutaneous coronary intervention) and found that microplastic concentrations jumped nearly 19-fold after the procedure. The types of plastics found in the blood matched those detected on the medical devices used during the procedure, confirming that the devices themselves were the source. This study reveals that common medical procedures using plastic equipment may be an overlooked route for microplastics to enter the human bloodstream.