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RESEARCH PAPER
Multiple effects of microplastic particles on human internal organs – narrative review
1
Department of Oncology, National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Warsaw, Poland
2
Department of Histology and Embryology, Centre for Biostructure Research, Medical University, Warsaw, Poland
3
Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Siedlce, Siedlce, Poland
4
Department of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Warsaw, Poland
5
Department of Orthodontics, Medical University, Łódź, Poland
Corresponding author
Aleksandra Pechcińska
Department of Oncology, National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Warsaw, Poland
Department of Oncology, National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Warsaw, Poland
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction and objective:
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter. Their omnipresence in the environment has raised significant concerns about their potential impacts on human health. The aim of the review is to examine the current state of knowledge regarding the effects of microplastics on the human body.
Review methods:
The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, and based on a structured PubMed search of peer-reviewed human studies published in English throughout 2025.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
Human exposure to microplastics primarily occurs through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. The potential health impacts of microplastics on the human body include both physical and chemical effects. Microplastics can induce inflammation and cellular damage in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. They can also carry hazardous substances which are capable of leaching into the body and cause endocrine disruption, carcinogenicity, and reproductive toxicity. Studies have shown that microplastics can induce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, compromise cellular functions, and potentially lead to immune dysregulation and endocrine disruption. However, up-to-date studies were performed on a small number of human subjects, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. The extant knowledge about the pathogenicity of microplastics still requires extensive studies and elucidation.
Summary:
Current research underscores the potential risks of microplastics to human health via physical and chemical pathways. Laboratory studies offer insights into health impacts, but human research remains nascent. Addressing these gaps through comprehensive, interdisciplinary studies is crucial to fully understand the impact of microplastics on health, shaping effective regulatory and mitigation strategies.
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter. Their omnipresence in the environment has raised significant concerns about their potential impacts on human health. The aim of the review is to examine the current state of knowledge regarding the effects of microplastics on the human body.
Review methods:
The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, and based on a structured PubMed search of peer-reviewed human studies published in English throughout 2025.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
Human exposure to microplastics primarily occurs through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. The potential health impacts of microplastics on the human body include both physical and chemical effects. Microplastics can induce inflammation and cellular damage in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. They can also carry hazardous substances which are capable of leaching into the body and cause endocrine disruption, carcinogenicity, and reproductive toxicity. Studies have shown that microplastics can induce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, compromise cellular functions, and potentially lead to immune dysregulation and endocrine disruption. However, up-to-date studies were performed on a small number of human subjects, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. The extant knowledge about the pathogenicity of microplastics still requires extensive studies and elucidation.
Summary:
Current research underscores the potential risks of microplastics to human health via physical and chemical pathways. Laboratory studies offer insights into health impacts, but human research remains nascent. Addressing these gaps through comprehensive, interdisciplinary studies is crucial to fully understand the impact of microplastics on health, shaping effective regulatory and mitigation strategies.
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