Exposure routes of microplastics (MPs) to humans and possible risks of MPs to human health from food and the environment: a short review

Abstract

This review aims to document the exposure routes of microplastics (MPs) to humans from food and the environment and assess the possible effects of MPs and associated chemical pollutants on human health. MPs are small plastic particles that are less than five millimeters (<5 mm) in size. Humans can be exposed to MPs by ingesting contaminated water and food or inhaling contaminated air. MPs have been detected in human lungs, blood, placenta, and faeces. MPs may cause various effects on human health, including DNA damage, cellular damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, cancer, fetal growth, and inflammatory bowel disease. Both plastic additive chemicals and pollutants adsorbed onto MPs are harmful to humans. They are persistent (persists long in the environment), toxic (poisonous), and bioaccumulative (accumulate in tissues of food and human organs). These chemicals are also endocrine-disrupting (can alter functions of the endocrine system) and carcinogenic (can cause cancer). Exposure to these chemicals (additives and adsorbents) can have long-term effects on human health.