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Microplastics intelligence
Live research and reporting on microplastics and human health.
Latest intelligence
3214 items in this view
StudyMethodsHigh evidence99% relevant
Organ-specific apoptotic pathways induced by micro- and nanoplastics: a systematic review of <i>in vitro</i> toxicological evidence.
The widespread presence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in environmental matrices and consumer products has raised increasing concern about their potential effects on human health. Due to their small size, persistence, and heterogeneous physicochemical properties, MNPs may interact with biological barriers, reach different cellular compartments, and trigger organ-specific toxic responses.
StudyMethodsHigh evidence99% relevant
Effects of micro- and nanoplastic exposure during critical developmental periods on the central nervous system: A systematic review of rodent models.
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are persistent environmental pollutants capable of crossing biological barriers, including the placenta and the blood-brain barrier, raising concerns about their impact on neurodevelopment. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from experimental rodent models, revealing morphological, molecular, and behavioral alterations associated with developmental MNPs exposure in rodent models and highlighting their potential relevance for understanding neurodevelopmental vulnerability.
StudyMethodsHigh evidence99% relevant
Health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics in humans: systematic review of in vivo evidence.
Background Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants with potential human health implications. Although laboratory models implicate MNPs in oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine disruption, a comprehensive synthesis of direct in vivo human evidence is lacking.
StudyMethodsHigh evidence99% relevant
Harmful Effects of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Human Body Systems: A Systematic Review.
Background Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants from plastic degradation, leading to human exposure through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. While emerging evidence suggests potential health effects, comprehensive human-specific data remain limited.
StudyFood & WaterHigh evidence99% relevant
From Bakelite to Biohazard: The Century-Long Rise of Microplastics.
The invention of Bakelite in 1907 marked the dawn of the synthetic polymer era, leading to exponential plastic production and widespread microplastic (MP) pollution. MPs (<5 mm) now permeate ecosystems and human tissues, and emerging evidence suggests that they may pose health risks ranging from reproductive to cardiovascular effects.
StudyFood & WaterHigh evidence99% relevant
The neurotoxic threat of micro- and nanoplastics: evidence from In Vitro and In Vivo models
Micro- and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs), ubiquitous contaminants in ecosystems and food chains, have emerged as a significant concern due to their potential neurotoxic effects on human health. Here, we conducted a systematic review of the existing literature, which included 26 studies providing evidence from cellular and animal studies on the risks posed by MPs/NPs to the nervous system.
StudyFood & WaterHigh evidence99% relevant
The Impact of Microplastics on Global Public Health, Distribution, and Contamination: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Abstract Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, are an emerging environmental contaminant of concern due to their widespread presence in air, water, food, and human tissue. Although the evidence has identified MPs in the bloodstream, placentas, and excrement, suggesting chronic internal exposure, MPs' health outcomes and biological mechanisms remain inadequate.
StudyFood & WaterHigh evidence99% relevant
Unravelling the potential mechanisms of nano- and microplastic toxicity to the male reproductive system: A systematic review.
The ever-increasing presence of microplastic and nanoplastic (MPs/NPs) particles in the natural environment, organisms, and a wide variety of health products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and foods consumed by humans is a global concern. In recent years, research efforts have shifted towards identifying human exposure and risks associated with MPs/NPs, as well as unravelling the mechanisms underlying their toxicity.
StudyMethodsHigh evidence99% relevant
Health Impacts of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Humans: Systematic Review of In Vivo Evidence
SUMMARY Background Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs; Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane and Embase through 26 December 2024. Two investigators independently screened and selected original research articles that quantified MNPs in biological samples from living humans (blood, tissues, or fluids).
StudyFood & WaterHigh evidence99% relevant
The neurotoxic threat of micro- and nanoplastics: evidence from In Vitro and In Vivo models.
Micro- and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs), ubiquitous contaminants in ecosystems and food chains, have emerged as a significant concern due to their potential neurotoxic effects on human health. Here, we conducted a systematic review of the existing literature, which included 26 studies providing evidence from cellular and animal studies on the risks posed by MPs/NPs to the nervous system.
StudyToxicologyMedium evidence98% relevant
Unseen toxins: Exploring the human health consequences of micro and nanoplastics.
Micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) contamination constitute a pressing global issue with considerable ramifications for human health. Particles originating from the decomposition of plastic waste permeate ecosystems and disturb biological systems, especially the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
StudyMethodsHigh evidence95% relevant
Interactions between polystyrene-derived micro- and nanoplastics and the microbiota: a systematic review of multi-omics mouse studies.
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), especially polystyrene-derived particles (PS-MPs/PS-NPs), have become a growing concern due to their increasing presence in the environment and their proven biological toxicity. Although PS particles have been identified in various human tissues, including feces, placenta, and blood, their impact on the gut microbiota and microbiota-driven metabolic pathways remains insufficiently synthesized.
StudyMethodsHigh evidence95% relevant
Micro- and Nanoplastics as a Potential Risk Factor for Stroke: A Systematic Review.
Environmental pollution with micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) is an escalating global health concern. Despite growing evidence of MNPs' presence in the human body, their impact on cerebrovascular diseases remains poorly understood.
StudyFood & WaterHigh evidence95% relevant
Unveiling the presence of micro and nanoplastics in human biological matrices: A systematic review covering the latest five years from 2020 to 2025.
Plastic contamination has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century, with global plastic production surpassing 413 million metric tons in 2024. This dramatic increase has led to a parallel rise in the generation of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), tiny plastic particles that now permeate not only natural ecosystems but also human environments.
StudyMethodsHigh evidence95% relevant
Impact of Microplastic Exposure on Human Health: A Systematic Review of Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Clinical Outcomes.
Microplastics (≤5 mm) are increasingly recognized as pervasive environmental pollutants with potential implications for human health. Human exposure occurs primarily through ingestion and inhalation, with limited evidence also suggesting dermal contact.
StudyMethodsHigh evidence95% relevant
Microplastics in focus: a silent disruptor of liver health- a systematic review.
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are widespread environmental contaminants, yet their impact on human liver health is not fully understood. We conducted a systematic review of 25 experimental, observational, and organoid-based studies published between 2022 and 2025 that investigated the hepatotoxic effects of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics (PS-MPs/NPs).
StudyToxicologyHigh evidence95% relevant
A review of potential human health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics exposure.
This systematic review aims to summarize the current knowledge on biological effects of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) on human health based on mammalian systems. An extensive search of the literature led to a total of 133 primary research articles on the health relevance of MNPs.
StudyFood & WaterMedium evidence93% relevant
Microplastic exposure and human health: an integrative toxicological perspective.
The global surge in plastic production and inadequate waste management have resulted in widespread environmental contamination with microplastics (MPs). Derived either as primary particles from consumer products or as secondary fragments from the degradation of larger plastics, MPs are now omnipresent in terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric ecosystems.
StudyMethodsMedium evidence93% relevant
Quantitative human biomonitoring of micro- and nanoplastics: Exposure profiles, mechanistic insights, and health implications.
Micro- and nanoplastic (MnP) pollution has become an escalating environmental and public health concern, supported by increasing human biomonitoring evidence of their presence in the body. We performed a PRISMA-guided quantitative analysis of 70 human-sample studies (2019-2025) spanning multiple organ systems and body fluids.
StudyFood & WaterMedium evidence93% relevant
Impact of micro- and nanoplastics exposure on human health: focus on neurological effects from ingestion.
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have become pervasive contaminants in food, water, and air, leading to widespread human exposure, primarily through ingestion. Although MPs are increasingly detected in human tissues, including the placenta, blood, and brain, their long-term health implications are poorly understood.
StudyFood & WaterMedium evidence93% relevant
Effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on the kidney and cardiovascular system.
Microplastics and nanoplastics are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that contaminate air, food and water supplies, resulting in widespread human exposure and potential health risks. Varying concentrations of particulate plastics have been identified in human tissues and body fluids, including the heart, kidney, liver, brain, blood and urine.
StudyToxicologyMedium evidence93% relevant
A review on micro- and nanoplastics in humans: Implication for their translocation of barriers and potential health effects.
As emerging contaminants, micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) can absorb and leach various toxic chemicals and ultimately endanger the health of the ecological environment and humans. With extensive research on MNPs, knowledge about MNPs in humans, especially their translocation of barriers and potential health effects, is of utmost importance.
StudyFood & WaterMedium evidence93% relevant
[The exposure routes of micro- and nanoplastics and their potential toxic effects on human health].
This article discusses the classification of micro- and nanoplastics (MNP), the routes of their exposure and the effects of MNP on the reproductive, respiratory, digestive and immune systems based on in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as available epidemiological data. The MNP can enter our body through inhalation, food or skin.
StudyMethodsMedium evidence93% relevant
Single inhalation exposure to polyamide micro and nanoplastic particles impairs vascular dilation without generating pulmonary inflammation in virgin female Sprague Dawley rats.
Background Exposure to micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) in humans is being identified in both the indoor and outdoor environment. Detection of these materials in the air has made inhalation exposure to MNPs a major cause for concern.
StudyToxicologyMedium evidence93% relevant
The Pressing Issue of Micro- and Nanoplastic Contamination: Profiling the Reproductive Alterations Mediated by Oxidative Stress.
Micro- and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) are among the most widely distributed pollutants in the environment. It has been suggested that exposure to MPs/NPs can trigger toxicity pathways among which inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) play a pivotal role.
StudyMethodsHigh evidence90% relevant
Vascular effects of micro- and nanoplastics in humans: Systematic review.
Plastics have been accumulating in the environment for over 100 years and are environmental pollutants already recognized as relevant risk factors for human health, including the cardiovascular system. Plastics break down into smaller particles called microplastics (with diameters ranging from 1 micrometer to 5 millimeters) and nanoplastics (with diameters smaller than 1 micrometer), which are resistant to natural degradation.
PreprintFood & WaterEmerging evidence90% relevant
Microplastics in Human Breast Milk and Maternal–Infant Exposure Pathways in Low-and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review
Abstract Background Microplastics (MPs) are a serious concern for public and environmental health because of their ubiquitous distribution and potential adverse biological effects. Recent evidences indicate that maternal–infant exposure to MPs may take place during pregnancy, lactation and early infancy via multiple biological and environmental pathways.
StudyMethodsHigh evidence90% relevant
Micro- and nanoplastic exposure as an emerging risk factor for depressive-like phenotypes across species: a systematic review.
The pervasive environmental presence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), combined with their ability to cross biological barriers and accumulate in the brain, has raised significant concerns regarding their neurotoxic potential. While neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative effects are increasingly documented, a focused synthesis of their impact on depression-relevant behaviors is lacking.
StudyMethodsHigh evidence90% relevant
Micro and Nanoplastics and Obstetric Outcomes in Humans and Animals: A Systematic Review.
Background : Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants that accumulate in various tissues, including the placenta. Experimental and clinical studies suggest potential cytotoxic, oxidative, and inflammatory effects that may lead to placental dysfunction and adverse obstetric outcomes.
StudyMethodsHigh evidence90% relevant
Microplastics in Female Reproductive and Pregnancy Organs: A Systematic Review.
Background: Microplastics (MPs) have rapidly emerged as pervasive environmental contaminants with growing implications for human health. Evidence now shows that MP exposure may begin during pregnancy and extend into infancy.